Supreme Court Holds States Liable for Dog Bite Fatalities
Supreme Court Addresses Stray Dog Issue
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria has taken up the issue of stray dogs in India, declaring that states will face significant compensation liabilities for every death caused by dog bites. The Supreme Court criticized all state governments for their "severe failure" to implement the ABC (Animal Birth Control) rules effectively. The bench emphasized that both the central and state governments will be held accountable, noting that this issue has persisted for centuries. It was pointed out that Parliament has been deliberating on this matter since the 1950s, and the problem has escalated a thousandfold due to the inaction of these governments. The court stated that substantial compensation will be imposed on the responsible government for every individual—man, woman, or child—who loses their life due to dog bites.
Previous Hearings Highlight Implementation Gaps
During a prior hearing on January 8, the Supreme Court highlighted the lack of proper implementation of the ABC rules. The court also cautioned dog lovers, including the lawyer representing actress Sharmila Tagore, about being "out of touch with reality." Last week, the Supreme Court decided not to consider allegations of harassment against female dog owners by organized groups, stating that such matters fall under law and order, and victims can file FIRs. While hearing arguments regarding stray dogs, the court declined to address claims related to derogatory comments made about women.
Court Reviews Arguments on Stray Dog Incidents
The special bench, consisting of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, found some arguments presented before them to be "far from reality," noting the existence of numerous videos showing attacks by stray dogs on children and the elderly. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing petitions filed by dog lovers, which include requests for amendments to previous orders and strict compliance with directives. Senior advocate Mahalaxmi Pawani highlighted the plight of female dog owners and caregivers, stating that organized groups have taken it upon themselves to enforce the Supreme Court's earlier rulings on this matter.