Supreme Court Criticizes Maneka Gandhi Over Street Dog Remarks

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized former Union Minister and animal welfare activist Maneka Gandhi for publicly ridiculing the Court’s observations regarding street dog control. A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N V Anjaria made the remarks, stating that Gandhi’s comments and body language were tantamount to disregarding the Court’s authority. The bench emphasized that no action was taken only due to the Court’s magnanimity.

The remarks by Gandhi were made during a podcast, where she mocked the Supreme Court’s guidance on street dog management.

When Gandhi’s counsel, Raju Ramachandran, argued that the court should exercise caution, the bench responded sharply. "Your client is making comments about everyone, and everything. Have you observed her body language? Have you listened to what she is actually saying and how?"

During the trial when Ramachandran mentioned that he had previously represented Ajmal Kasab, to which Justice Vikram Nath replied, "Even Kasab did not disregard the Court, but your client has."

The Court reiterated that its previous observations—that those feeding street dogs are responsible for attacks—were serious, not a matter for ridicule. The bench emphasized that street dogs should not be allowed to attack children or adults and that if Gandhi is so fond of the animals, she should raise them at home.

Although advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that the problem stems from ineffective sterilization programs, the Court questioned Gandhi’s budgetary allocations for such initiatives during her tenure as Union Minister.

The Court also warned that state governments may have to pay significant compensation to children and adults injured by street dog attacks, and any lapses in implementing preventive measures will require accountability.

The hearing has been adjourned to January 28 for further arguments.