The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain the mentioning of a plea related to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's recent statement on stray dogs. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the matter could not be taken up through mentioning and advised the petitioner to follow the regular procedure for listing the case.
Background of the Case
The plea, filed by an animal rights activist, challenged the statement made by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who had reportedly said that stray dogs should be killed if they pose a threat to humans. The petitioner argued that such remarks violate the Animal Welfare Act and the guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India.
Supreme Court's Stance
When the counsel for the petitioner sought urgent mentioning of the matter, the CJI-led bench clarified that mentioning is not a substitute for regular listing. The court emphasized that the petitioner should file an application for early hearing, which would be considered on its merits.
The bench noted that the issue of stray dogs has been a subject of judicial scrutiny in the past, and any fresh petition must comply with the established legal procedures. The court did not pass any orders on the merits of the plea.
Reactions and Implications
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from animal rights groups and legal experts. While some activists expressed disappointment, others said it was a procedural setback that does not undermine the larger fight for animal welfare. The Punjab government has not yet officially responded to the court's decision.
This development comes amid growing concerns over stray dog attacks in various parts of the country, leading to demands for stronger measures to control the stray dog population. However, animal rights advocates argue that killing dogs is not a humane solution and advocate for sterilization and vaccination drives instead.
