SC Vacates Stay On Delhi HC Order On Right To Feed Street Dogs

In a huge relief to animal welfare organisations and volunteers involved in feeding stray dogs, the Supreme Court today disposed of the petition filed by Humane Foundation for People and Animal challenging the Delhi High Court Order of 26th June, 2021 wherein certain guidelines and directions regarding feeding of stray dogs were passed by Hon’ble Mr Justice J.R. Midha.

The Court also vacated the interim stay granted earlier in the petition by order dated 4th March, 2022 passed by Hon’ble Mr Justice Vineet Saran and Hon’ble Mr Justice Aniruddha Bose, on the operation of the Delhi High Court Order. Several impleaders were before the Court today pointing out how the stay order had created a hostile environment for the dogs and led to many instances of harassment of volunteers of animal welfare organisation and feeders.Mr Aman Lekhi and Mr Anand Grover, Senior Advocates appeared for intervenors.  Friendicoes SECA had also moved an application for impleadment and was represented by Mr. Ritin Rai, Senior Advocate instructed by Karanjawala & Co. think the vacation of stay comes as a big relief to everyone engaged in animal welfare. 

A petitioner in connected matters urged the Court to look into the issue of dog bite cases and the menace of strays in the city. On this, Hon’ble Mr Justice U.U. Lalit addressed the lawyers present in court on the issue of huge pendency of important matters before the court and the court has to prioritise the kind of matters it entertains. Particularly in such cases, he observed that the petitioners have an effective remedy before the High Courts and should first approach the High Courts.