Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Ruling: Justice Vikram Nath Reflects on a Case That Captivated India and the World
In a country where public discourse often revolves around politics, economics, and social justice, a case about stray dogs unexpectedly became one of the most talked-about topics in recent months—so much so that it has elevated Supreme Court Judge Vikram Nath to a household name.
Speaking at a regional conference on human-wildlife conflict and co-existence, organized by the National Legal Services Authority and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority, Justice Nath candidly acknowledged the unprecedented attention the case drew, not just in India but globally.
The three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Nath, recently overturned an earlier two-judge bench decision that had ordered all sterilized stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to remain confined to shelters.
In a move celebrated by animal welfare activists and dog lovers, the bench ruled that vaccinated and sterilized dogs must be released back into their original habitats—a judgment that reaffirmed India’s longstanding Animal Birth Control (ABC) policy and emphasized the principle of co-existence.
A Case That Stirred a Nation
Justice Nath’s remarks shed light on how this legal battle transcended the courtroom to become a matter of public emotion and civic activism. For weeks, the streets of Delhi and other major cities saw candlelight marches, petitions, and passionate debates on social media, as animal welfare organizations and citizens urged the court to stand by its commitment to animal rights.
The judge humorously admitted that this case has given him a level of recognition he never anticipated:
“So far, I have been known in the legal fraternity for the little work I do. But I am thankful to the stray dogs for making me known to the entire civil society, not only in this country but also the world over. I am thankful to my Chief Justice for allotting me that matter.”
Recounting a recent Law Asia POLA Summit, he added that even international legal leaders were curious about India’s stray dog case:
“They started asking questions about the stray dogs matter. I felt very elated… people outside India also know me. I have been receiving messages saying that, apart from dog lovers, even dogs are giving me blessings and good wishes.”
A Constitutional and Ethical Perspective
Justice Nath’s comments underscored the moral and constitutional foundation behind the ruling. He reminded attendees that humans and animals have coexisted for centuries, but modern urbanization and human activity have disrupted this delicate balance, leading to conflict.
“Somewhere in the past decades, we have drifted away from this ethos, resulting in conflict. Our Constitution has laid the framework to find solutions for the conflict,” he stressed.
His statement reflects a judicial philosophy rooted not just in legal precedent, but in empathy and environmental stewardship—values enshrined in Article 48A and Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which obligate citizens to protect and improve the environment and show compassion for all living creatures.
A Ruling That Resonates Beyond Borders
This landmark judgment has also drawn international attention, positioning India as a global leader in compassionate legal frameworks for animal welfare. Justice Nath’s candid reflections highlight how even a case involving stray dogs can spark deep discussions about humanity, ethics, and coexistence.
For dog lovers across India, this ruling is not just a legal victory but a validation of their tireless activism. The Supreme Court’s decision serves as a reminder that justice is not just for humans but for all living beings who share this planet.
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