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New Delhi, November 2 (IANS) The Supreme Court will hear on Monday (November 3) a suo motu case related to the management of stray dogs across the country, in which chief secretaries of all states and union territories except West Bengal and Telangana will be directed to appear in person.
A special bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria will hear the case, which had earlier expressed displeasure over non-compliance by several states and Union Territories of the apex court’s directions on implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
During the last hearing on October 27, the apex court had expressed strong disapproval over the failure by most state governments to file compliance affidavits despite clear orders issued on August 22.
The top court had said that only West Bengal, Telangana and Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) have filed their affidavits.
A bench led by Justice Nath had remarked, “Did the officials not read newspapers or social media? Did they not read… Even if they were not given, the affidavit should have been here. All chief secretaries will be present here on November 3.”
On October 31, the Supreme Court rejected Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s request to allow chief secretaries to appear virtually, instead directing that they would have to appear physically before the apex court.
The top court had earlier directed all states and Union Territories to file affidavits detailing the steps taken to implement the ABC rules, including sterilization drives, vaccination programs and setting up of animal shelters and pounds.
It also warned that coercive measures and costs could be imposed for continued non-compliance. The case, which has seen several intervention petitions from residents’ welfare associations and individuals, has been closely monitored by the Supreme Court, which emphasized that the issue concerns not only public safety but also the country’s global image.
It commented, “Incidents are continuously happening and the country’s image is being degraded in the eyes of foreign countries. We are also reading news reports.”
–IANS
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