CJI Gavai to look into issue of stray dogs in view of conflicting orders of SC
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Hans India
3 minutes ago
- Hans India
Supreme Court Reserves Decision On Delhi Stray Dog Removal Order Amid Widespread Opposition
The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on petitions challenging the controversial August 11 order that mandated the complete removal of stray dogs from Delhi and the National Capital Region. A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria heard arguments on Thursday following widespread public outcry against the directive. The original order, issued by Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, instructed authorities to capture all stray dogs and relocate them to shelters, beginning with 5,000 dogs within six to eight weeks. The court explicitly stated that no captured animals should be returned to the streets under any circumstances, despite provisions for sterilization, deworming, and immunization as per Animal Birth Control Rules 2023. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal strongly opposed the implementation, arguing that forcing all dogs into shelters would result in inhumane conditions, potential culling, and public health hazards. He emphasized that the situation was extremely serious and called for an immediate stay on the August 11 directive. Advocate Abhishek Singhvi supported this position, contending that the order exceeded legal boundaries and violated established Animal Birth Control regulations. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the order by presenting alarming statistics, revealing that India reports over 3.7 million dog bite incidents annually. He stressed public safety concerns, particularly highlighting that children cannot safely play outdoors due to the stray dog menace. Mehta clarified that the government harbors no animosity toward animals but must prioritize public welfare. The controversy has sparked significant political and social debate. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the order as cruel and shortsighted, advocating for humane alternatives like sterilization, vaccination, and community-based care. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with BJP leaders Varun Gandhi and Maneka Gandhi, also expressed concerns about the directive. Animal rights organizations, including PETA India, condemned the order as impractical and illegal. The organization, along with numerous activists, organized protests near India Gate, resulting in several detentions. A candlelight march was held in Rohini to demonstrate against the removal order. Following the directive, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has already begun implementation by capturing over 100 stray dogs and converting 20 Animal Birth Control centers into temporary shelters. The MCD has identified an 85-acre site in Ghoga Dairy for large-scale shelter facilities and is actively searching for additional land. Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh announced that the relocation process would prioritize aggressive and rabies-infected dogs before expanding to others. Critics argue that blanket removal strategies have historically proven ineffective, as evidenced by senior advocate statements that removing 300,000 animals from Delhi would only result in an equal number returning within a week. They advocate for scientifically-backed approaches focusing on sterilization, vaccination, and community involvement as more sustainable solutions. The case has highlighted the complex balance between public safety and animal welfare, with the Supreme Court now deliberating on whether to maintain its original directive or consider alternative approaches that address both human and animal concerns in the capital region.
New Indian Express
3 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Rajasthan refuses to hold student union polls this session, cites NEP rollout and academic disruption fears
JAJPUR: The Rajasthan government has categorically told the High Court it will not hold student union elections this academic session, citing the ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and fears raised by Vice-Chancellors that the polls could disrupt academic schedules and disturb campus environments. In its affidavit, the state argued that holding elections at this time is 'not feasible' and referred to the Lyngdoh Committee's recommendation that such polls be held within six to eight weeks of a session's commencement — a period that has already lapsed for the current session. The government's response included inputs from Vice-Chancellors of nine universities, all of whom opposed conducting the elections. They cited ongoing academic activities, adherence to NEP guidelines, and the need to maintain a conducive learning environment as reasons for the delay. On August 6, a meeting chaired by Additional Chief Higher Education Secretary was attended by Vice Chancellors of nine Government Universities and College Education Commissioner. All participants advised against holding the polls, warning that elections often disrupt classes and spoil the academic atmosphere. They also noted that both students and faculty members are still in the process of understanding NEP's provisions. The government further stated that the petitioners' interests are not directly harmed by the decision, and therefore, their pleas should be dismissed. The petitions were filed by Rajasthan University student Jai Rao and others, who have demanded the immediate resumption of student union elections.
News18
11 minutes ago
- News18
Pakistan steps up crackdown on undocumented Afghan migrants in Peshawar
Peshawar [Pakistan], August 14 (ANI): Pakistani authorities have ramped up a sweeping crackdown against undocumented Afghan migrants in Peshawar, detaining large numbers of individuals without valid legal documents, Khaama Press reported, citing local to Khaama Press, police officials in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province confirmed the arrest of a significant number of Afghan nationals lacking legal status, as well as several suspected armed individuals, during targeted operations across the raids, which took place in the Kacha Garhi, Nasir Bagh, and Regi areas, also resulted in the seizure of weapons and narcotics, the authorities the exact number of those detained has not been disclosed, officials stated that the crackdown is part of an ongoing campaign aimed explicitly at undocumented Afghan residents in Pakistan, Khaama Press recent months, Pakistani authorities have intensified arrests and forced deportations of Afghan migrants, often conducting aggressive house-to-house campaign has gained momentum amid the ongoing suspension of visa renewals for Afghan nationals, a move that has rendered many previously documented residents illegal August 13, the Pakistani Federal Government established a high-level committee comprising police and intelligence personnel tasked with locating and deporting Afghans who still possess Proof of Registration (PoR) panel is mandated to coordinate data-sharing across departments to identify and act against Afghan nationals remaining in the country, Khaama Press United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has voiced serious concern over Pakistan's recent actions, noting that thousands of Afghans have been left homeless and vulnerable. Many have reported being harassed, threatened, or mistreated by law enforcement during the to Khaama Press, Human rights groups have warned that Pakistan's escalating crackdown may worsen the humanitarian crisis already affecting displaced Afghan communities, increasing their insecurity and depriving them of livelihoods and basic over 30,000 Afghan nationals illegally residing in Pakistan's Quetta division were repatriated to Afghanistan in less than a month, Dawn reported, citing official Pakistani government had set a deadline of July 31 for all illegal Afghans living in Pakistan to return to their home country. While many refugees complied after the deadline, a significant number remained, prompting authorities to launch legal action against those who ignored the order. (ANI)
