Yesterday, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition concerning measures to prevent accidents caused by stray dogs.

The division bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Rajesh Bindal highlighted a recent Supreme Court order in which the Court had resolved a series of petitions concerning the stray dog issue by stating that, with the enactment of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the respective High Courts.

''Considering all the intervening developments and more specifically, the enactment of the new Rules putting in place mechanisms for preventing the infliction of unnecessary pains and sufferings on animals, more specifically the canines, we intend to close the instant proceedings, leaving it open for each one of the parties to pursue their remedies on occasion so arises, if so advised, before the Constitutional Courts, other Forums having respective jurisdiction, in accordance with law.,” the Court had ordered while disposing of another batch of cases on May 10.

The petitioner-in-person, Sabu Stephen, pleaded that “Safety of the people shall be the supreme law. My brothers and sisters…for more than two decades are suffering due to the excessiveness of stray animals across India.”

However, the Court promptly asked the petitioner, "Are you aware that we have delegated all these matters to the State High Courts in light of the 2023 Rules?"

Thereafter, the Court firmly questioned why the petitioner had not approached the High Court, stating, "Why come directly to this Court? The High Court is familiar with the local circumstances, area, and everything pertinent. Why can't the High Court handle this?"

Noticing that seven ministries, including the Ministry of Panchayat Raj and Finance, had been impleaded as parties, Justice Bindal remarked, "Is there any ministry left in the Union of India? Isn't the state even a party in this matter?"

Notwithstanding, the Bench refused to entertain the matter and dismissed the plea.

Case Details: SABU STEEPHEN VS. UNION OF INDIA., DIARY NO. - 42441/2019