New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) Octogenarian Pratima Devi, known as “Dog Amma”, was on Wednesday permitted by the Delhi High Court to live under a tarpaulin shelter for the time being after local authorities allegedly bulldozed her makeshift shelter behind Anupam Complex in South Delhi’s Saket that also housed over 200 stray dogs.
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, while dealing with the 80-year-old’s petition against the demolition, directed the maintenance of status quo and asked the Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi to explore the possibility of her rehabilitation and also file their response.
Devi contended that she was living in her makeshift shelter for the past 30 years and took care of several stray dogs but the MCD demolished it without any prior intimation on January 3.
“Keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case and the contention of the petitioner that the impugned action has been taken by respondent No. 1 (MCD) without any prior notice, this court deems it expedient to direct that the respondent shall maintain status quo till the next date of hearing and to overcome the immediate need for the shelter, the petitioner shall also be permitted to put a tarpaulin as an interim measure,” the court said.
“In the meantime, respondent Nos. 1 and 2 (MCD and Delhi government), without prejudice to the rights and contentions of either of the parties, shall also explore the possibility of providing for petitioner’s rehabilitation,” added the court.
The court also issued a notice to the Animal Welfare Board of India.
The petitioner, presented by lawyer Vaibhav Gaggar, argued that the demolition left her without a roof in harsh winters and urged the court to allow her to put a tarpaulin as an interim measure.
In her plea, the woman said that the “arbitrary, unfair and inhumane action” of MCD was discriminatory and in gross violation of her rights as well as the rights of the stray dogs.
The plea further informed that the petitioner started living in a “small makeshift shack” in 1984, where she created a small tea stall and housed, fed and bathed stray dogs.
“The octogenarian who is popularly known as the ‘Dog Amma’ has her main source of income through rag picking and operating a makeshift chai shop which isn’t sufficient for herself let alone housing more than 200 stray dogs.
“However, with the help of various animal welfare organisations across Delhi and animal lovers, she has been able to feed, take care and lodge such stray dogs over years,” the plea said.
It also alleged that while the temporary makeshift shelter was being bulldozed, many stray dogs were injured, went missing and got stuck under the debris, which resulted in complete chaos and mayhem in and around the locality.
The matter would be heard next on March 15. PTI ADS RT RT
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