The Supreme Court of India is the country’s apex court and the final place for an appeal. Its judgments are binding on all other courts, and it serves as the final interpreter of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court came into existence on 26 January 1950, the day the Constitution came into force. The first Chief Justice of the Supreme court was Justice H.J. Kania. Consisting of the Chief Justice of India and 30 other judges, it has extensive powers in the form of original, appellate and advisory jurisdictions. As the final court of appeal, the Supreme Court takes up appeals primarily against verdicts of the high courts of various states of the Union and other courts and tribunals. It safeguards fundamental rights of citizens and settles disputes between various governments in the country.
When it comes to the safety and security of toddlers, children and elderly, there can be absolutely no compromise. Frequently we come across incidents of stray dogs mauling little children to death. Of senior citizens being hounded and bitten on their early morning walks. Of even young people being chased by violent strays. In most areas of our cities/towns, venturing out after midnight or in the early morning hours is an absolute nightmare. The delivery guys working for various companies are regularly chased and harassed.
The Supreme Court must prioritize the safety and security of human beings over animal rights. Thanks to the Supreme Court for this excellent order – however, it should be made applicable across India and not just in Delhi.
These activists are far removed from the realities of life of a common man. Part of the elite and privileged classes, they just cannot relate to the fear and harassment we have to deal with on a daily basis.
I would request the Supreme Court to declare stray dogs as vermin. This would enable people to initiate culling of stray dogs on their own and not be dependent on municipal authorities. As it is, urban governance in India is abysmal. It’s pointless to have expectations of our babudom.
All these “animal rights activists” must be rounded up and put in dog shelters. Let them spend a day or two with their beloved stray dogs. Maybe they will come to their senses and understand why it is so important to keep stray dogs out of residential areas and city streets.
Request the Supreme Court to permit culling of stray dogs by municipal authorities. That is the only feasible solution to this problem.