Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Regarding Stray Dog Comments by Punjab CM

Supreme Court's Ruling on Stray Dog Issue

The Supreme Court declined to hear a petition on Monday that claimed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated the court had granted a 'blank check' for the killing of stray dogs. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta questioned the lawyer requesting the hearing, asking, 'Should we alter our order based solely on the Chief Minister's statement?'

The lawyer mentioned that following the Supreme Court's order on May 19 regarding stray dogs, the Chief Minister allegedly tweeted that the court had given 'open permission to kill stray dogs.'

The bench responded, 'You should approach the Punjab High Court. We are not accepting your request.'

The lawyer argued that since the Supreme Court's ruling, stray dogs have been killed. In a significant decision on May 19, the Supreme Court allowed the culling of rabid, sick, dangerous, and aggressive dogs to reduce threats to human life. The court emphasized that this includes the right to live with dignity, enabling individuals to move freely without fear of harm from dogs.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court stated that when weighing human life and safety against the interests and welfare of sensitive creatures, the constitutional balance should clearly favor the protection and safety of human life.

Instructing states and union territories to enhance infrastructure for managing stray dogs and other animals, the Supreme Court directed all high courts to take suo motu cognizance and register cases to ensure compliance with its directives issued on August 22, 2025, and November 7, 2025.