The Meghalaya High Court on Friday decided to send a much-debated case concerning stray dogs out of its hands. Acting Chief Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, sitting with Justice W. Diengdoh, allowed the State's request to modify its earlier order and transfer the matter directly to the Supreme Court.
Background
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL No.4 of 2024) had been filed by advocate Kaustav Paul, raising concerns about the growing stray dog population in Shillong and the alleged inaction of civic authorities. On 30 August 2025, the High Court had ruled that the case would remain with it, considering the "peculiar nature" of the situation in Meghalaya.
However, things took a different turn when the Supreme Court, on 22 August 2025, issued sweeping directions in a suo motu case titled "City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price." The apex court ordered that all related stray dog matters pending before various High Courts be consolidated and heard together in Delhi.
Court's Observations
When the matter came up on 26 September 2025, Advocate General A. Kumar, representing the State, argued that in light of the Supreme Court's order, the Meghalaya case could no longer be pursued separately. He stressed that uniformity was needed, as stray dog issues involve not just local governance but also fundamental rights and public safety.
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"The learned Advocate General has rightly pointed out that the matter is now under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court," the bench observed orally.
Senior advocate Kaustav Paul, who appeared in person as the first respondent, raised no objections. In fact, he agreed that the larger issue required a consolidated judicial approach. Counsel for the Shillong Municipal Board, advocate S. Dey, also supported the transfer.
Decision
After briefly hearing all sides, the bench recalled its earlier order of 30 August. It directed that all records pertaining to PIL No.4 of 2024 be transmitted to the Supreme Court "at the earliest."
With that, the miscellaneous application (MC (PIL) No.6 of 2025) filed by the State was allowed and disposed of.
The case will now form part of the ongoing suo motu proceedings before the Supreme Court, where a pan-India framework on stray dog management is under active judicial scrutiny.
Case Title: The State of Meghalaya v. Kaustav Paul & Ors.
Case Number: MC (PIL) No. 6 of 2025 in PIL No. 4 of 2024
