The Delhi High Court has initiated a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) to oversee the implementation of the Supreme Court's nationwide directions on stray dog management in the national capital. The Court has called for detailed responses from the Central Government, the Delhi Government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on the measures taken to control the stray dog population through sterilisation, vaccination, and related steps.
Background of the Case
The proceedings have been registered following the Supreme Court's judgment directing every High Court in the country to monitor compliance with its orders concerning stray dog management. The apex court had earlier ordered authorities to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, highways, and other public places while ensuring that sterilisation and vaccination are carried out in accordance with the applicable rules.
The Supreme Court also required Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to submit compliance reports before their respective High Courts.
Court's Observations
A Division Bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta questioned the authorities about the progress made in birth control, sterilisation, vaccination, dog shelters, and related infrastructure in Delhi.
During the hearing, the Bench remarked that the issue requires a balanced approach.
"We have to strike a balance. The common man is really troubled. Every day there are dog bite incidents," the Bench observed.
The judges also expressed concern over the presence of several stray dogs within the Delhi High Court premises and sought clarity from the authorities regarding the situation.
Court's Direction
The High Court directed the Delhi Government and the MCD to file a comprehensive status report detailing the steps taken up to July 31, 2026, for implementing the Supreme Court's directions in the capital. The report must be placed before the Court a day prior to the next hearing.
Notices were also issued to the Union Government and the NHAI seeking their responses.
The matter will next be heard on August 3, 2026.
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