Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to modify its earlier November 2025 order directing the removal of stray dogs from public places including schools, hospitals, and railway stations, dismissing all petitions challenging the directive and warning that unchecked dog bite incidents could have serious consequences for society.
Court Cites Darwin’s Theory as a Warning
A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta rejected all petitions seeking changes to the earlier order and also upheld the direction that stray dogs once moved to shelter homes should not be released back. Justice Mehta cited national data on dog bite incidents, calling the figures alarming, and warned that if such attacks are left unchecked, society could reach a point where only the physically strongest survive — invoking Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest. He emphasised that such a situation would be incompatible with a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law.
Right to Move Freely Is a Fundamental Right
The court observed that the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution includes every citizen’s right to move freely and access public spaces. Justice Mehta said the Constitution does not envision a society where children, the elderly, and vulnerable citizens are left to fend for themselves due to the state machinery’s failure to fulfil its constitutional and legal obligations.
Authorities Permitted to Cull Rabid and Dangerous Dogs
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court also granted authorities permission to cull rabid and dangerously aggressive dogs where necessary to reduce the risk to human life.
