In a significant hearing regarding the ongoing stray dog issue across the country, the Supreme Court has criticized states and Union Territories for their lack of action, with Amicus Curiae Gaurav Agrawal aiding the court. The Supreme Court has summoned the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories to explain why they have not submitted required compliance reports. In a notable development, the court has permitted dog bite victims to participate in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) without the fees typically required from NGOs. The court is gathering detailed information from each state and Union Territory on the population of stray dogs, incidents of dog bites, and the status of sterilization and shelter facilities.
It has also suggested that it will issue guidelines regarding the feeding of dogs on institutional grounds and will keep a close watch on the situation, considering input from all stakeholders. Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria stated, “We will be issuing directions concerning government entities and public sector organizations where staff members are feeding and aiding stray dogs in the vicinity.” This statement from the court was timely, as Chief Secretaries from all states and Union Territories, except for West Bengal, Telangana, and Kerala, were present in court following an order from October 27 requiring their attendance due to non-compliance with a previous directive.