The Supreme Court scolded former minister Maneka Gandhi for comments in the stray dog case, questioning her contributions and budget allocations. Next hearing on January 28 will hear NGOs, amicus curiae, NHAI, and government representatives.
Supreme Court Of India
New Delhi: Today, the Supreme Court conducted a hearing regarding the ongoing stray dog issue in India and reprimanded former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi for her comments on the matter. The court observed that some of her remarks amounted to contempt of court, emphasizing the need for respect towards judicial authority.
The case involves concerns about stray dog management, including population control, rabies vaccination availability, and general welfare. Gandhi, a noted animal rights activist, had voiced her opinions publicly through interviews and podcasts, which the court scrutinized closely.
The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, sharply questioned Gandhi’s involvement during her tenure as a minister. The court asked her legal counsel about how much budget was allocated for stray dog welfare when she held office. The judges criticized the tone and body language of Gandhi’s public statements, noting that such conduct could be considered contemptuous.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing dog lovers, highlighted concerns about prior court observations being misinterpreted. Justice Sandeep Mehta clarified that the comments were serious and not made in jest. Gandhi’s lawyer, Raju Ramachandran, defended her right to present her perspective, drawing a parallel to his prior role as amicus curiae for Ajmal Kasab in the Mumbai attack trial.
During the hearing, Gandhi’s counsel suggested measures like improving dog care, ensuring rabies vaccination availability, and implementing population control initiatives. The court, however, pressed on whether Gandhi had actively contributed to these measures during her ministerial tenure, pointing out that her petition did not reference budget allocations for these initiatives.
Bhushan also noted that misinterpretations of court comments, such as assigning responsibility to those feeding stray dogs, could have serious public implications. The judges reminded all parties that both the bar and bench must exercise caution, especially as proceedings are often broadcast to the public.
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The Supreme Court announced that the next hearing in the stray dog case will be held on January 28, 2026. So far, the court has heard from animal rights activists, NGOs, and other concerned parties. In the upcoming hearing, the court will also consider submissions from the amicus curiae, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and both central and state governments.
