Institute of Legal and Management Studies

In the Stray Dogs case, the Supreme Court today allowed all victims of dog bite incidents to intervene in the matter without having to make a monetary deposit as a pre-condition.

Notably, individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) espousing the cause of dogs were earlier directed to deposit Rs.25000 and Rs.2 lakhs respectively with the Registry of the Court as a pre-condition for intervention in the suo motu case. The amount deposited was to be utilized for the creation of infrastructure and facilities for stray dogs under the aegis of the respective municipal bodies.

Today, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria permitted intervention in the case by the victims, without any such condition. The order was dictated thus,

"Intervention applications filed by the victims stand allowed. [They are] not required to make any deposit." It was preceded by a submission from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that "victims should also have a say".

Besides allowing the intervention applications, the Court accepted a suggestion to implead the Animal Welfare Board of India as a respondent and issued notice to it. It was further conveyed that in due course of time, the bench would issue directions to regulate the feeding of dogs in premises of government buildings.

"We will issue order in a few days regarding government institutions, where employees are supporting and encouraging dogs in that area," Justice Nath said. On the submission of an intervenor-in-person Ms. Vandana Jain, the judge indicated that the bench would pass an order in a few days to address continuing dog bite incidents and public awareness regarding the same.

Although a request was made on behalf of an intervenor (represented by Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy) that submissions may be heard prior to passing of such directions, the bench categorically declined.

Nundy also supported a submission that the manner in which the Court's directions are being implemented, for instance, the way in which feedings areas are designated, is wrong. "The MCD has designated about 262 areas. There are about 16! On principle, this is an illustration", she said. In response, the bench indicated that the matter was listed today only to ensure compliance and the intervenors' submissions will be heard in due course.

For a detailed report on the hearing, click here.

Case Title: IN RE : 'CITY HOUNDED BY STRAYS, KIDS PAY PRICE', SMW(C) No. 5/2025