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United News of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Biting debate: SC reserves verdict on stray dog removal in Delhi-NCR
New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) The Supreme Court today reserved its order on a high-stakes controversy over stray dog management in Delhi-NCR, a case that has gripped public attention across India, sparking emotional debates on safety, animal rights, and municipal responsibility. The three-judge bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria heard marathon arguments before reserving its verdict on multiple petitions seeking a stay on the August 11 directions of a two-judge bench to remove stray dogs from all streets and relocate them to shelter homes. The case originated on July 28 this year, when a bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan took suo motu cognisance of a news report headlined 'City hounded by strays and kids pay price'. Concerned over the rising incidents of dog bites, particularly involving children, the bench on August 11 issued sweeping directions to the Government of NCT of Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and civic bodies of Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram. The order mandated the immediate creation of dog shelters across Delhi with CCTV monitoring, starting with capacity for 5,000 dogs within 6–8 weeks, a continuous campaign to pick up stray dogs from vulnerable and peripheral areas, a prohibition on releasing any captured dog, daily logging of captures, the establishment of a 24/7 helpline for dog-bite complaints, and ensuring vaccination stock disclosure. The bench warned that any obstruction by individuals or organisations in implementing the directions would be treated as contempt of court. The order triggered an unprecedented reaction nationwide. On one side, there was public support from residents and parents concerned about safety, citing rising dog-bite incidents and rabies deaths. On the other side, animal welfare groups, rights activists and lawyers condemned the move, warning that it would lead to mass confinement, overcrowding in shelters, spread of diseases, and possible illegal culling, in violation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules and earlier Supreme Court judgments that forbid indiscriminate capture and require sterilisation and vaccination as the primary method of population control. The matter took a dramatic turn yesterday when it was reassigned to the current three-judge bench after several lawyers mentioned before the Chief Justice of India that the August 11 order conflicted with at least half a dozen previous Supreme Court rulings. The reassignment effectively paused the execution of the August 11 order pending further judicial consideration. In court today, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, painted a grim picture of public health risks, citing media reports that 37 lakh dog bites occur in India annually, about 10,000 each day, and 20,000 people die every year from rabies, according to WHO estimates. 'Sterilisation does not stop rabies. Even if dogs are immunised, that will not stop them from mutilating children,' he said. Drawing a stark analogy, the SG remarked, 'Only four or five species of snakes are poisonous, but we do not keep them at home. Nobody is saying kill dogs, but they must be separated to ensure children can play outside and go to school without fear.' Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for NGO Project Kindness, argued that the August 11 order was legally unsustainable. 'This is the first time I hear the Solicitor General say, don't look at the legislation which occupies the field. The ABC Rules are part of Parliamentary legislation and must be complied with. Where are the shelters? Where are the pounds? The MCD has failed to sterilise and vaccinate, causing dog numbers to rise. Without infrastructure, dogs will be caged in inhumane conditions and will eventually be culled,' he warned, urging the Court to stay directions 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the August 11 order, which allow immediate pickup and detention of strays. Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi submitted that the August 11 order disregarded earlier Supreme Court rulings explicitly rejecting mass capture and mandating ABC compliance. He said at least six prior orders were ignored. Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave noted that animal rights activists were not heard before the order was passed, and Senior Advocate Aman Lekhi contended that the directions were based on anecdotal reports and unauthenticated videos. Colin Gonsalves stressed that sterilisation combined with feeding was the most effective way to bring dog populations down. Krishnan Venugopal highlighted the logistical impossibility of accommodating over one million strays in Delhi-NCR in shelters with only 1,000 available spaces. Justice Sandeep Mehta questioned the evidentiary basis of claims from both sides, calling many submissions 'anecdotal.' Justice Vikram Nath criticised civic inaction, stating, 'This is happening because of the inaction of the Municipal Corporation. The government does nothing. The local authorities do nothing. Everyone who has come here to file intervention should take responsibility.' The three-judge bench, after hearing extensive submissions, reserved its order, acknowledging the complexity of the issue, which sits at the intersection of public health, statutory animal welfare obligations, municipal governance, and societal sentiment. The reassignment effectively paused the execution of the August 11 order pending further judicial consideration. Concluding the proceedings, the Bench directed that there will be a stay on the August 11 order until the Court has an opportunity to undertake a comprehensive judicial review. UNI SNG AAB
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Women's participation can play key role in beautification of India's Smart Cities: Minister
NEW DELHI: Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma , cabinet minister, Government of NCT of Delhi said that beautiful cities would be a key part of smart cities mission and women and Naredco MAHI can play a key in achieving beautification of our cities. He was speaking at the fourth Naredco Mahi convention held in Delhi. "I want look at what we can together do for Delhi. The Delhi government is also working on developing a Yamuna riverfront," the minister said. D Thara , additional secretary, Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs emphasized on the need for looking beyond developing the buildings and housing complexes and aim for integrated infrastructure management in order to achieve a sustainable habitat. "There is need to transcend beyond housing and focus on associated sectors like water supply and green space. Its high to move from real estate to integrated infrastructure management," the official said. In a bid to mitigate floods, she suggested that along with green spaces, developers should come up with "green tanks" to fill excess water which would also help in water conservation. The additional secretary also suggested developers to handover documents citing the green measures and water availability in housing complexes in a bid to increase awareness and sustainability and build accountability. Smita Patil, president, Naredco Mahi said India's housing future must be built with policy, shaped by industry, and guided by inclusive values — especially empowering women and emerging leaders. We are committed to being a bridge — supporting women in the sector, nurturing young talent, and working in sync with the government for a stronger urban India. Niranjan Hiranandani, chairman, Naredco said that skilling would be the key pivot towards women-led real estate sector. "Real estate is the second largest employer in India. However, it is short of skilled workers, which if filled by skilled women, would not only lead to employment generation and women empowerment, but would give a boost to economic growth and help achieve the vision of tripling the size of the economy," he said. Noting that a lot needs to be done on women empowerment and having women stakeholders in key positions, Hari Babu, president, Naredco said that there are immense opportunities that can be leveraged. Rakesh Kumar Goyal, chairperson, Punjab-RERA on the sideline of the conference said that around two lakh properties have been sold in the last 5-6 years in the state while there are only 1,500 complaints from buyers. Over 3,000 projects have been registered with the authority till date.
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi cancels leaves of officials and doctors until further notice
The Delhi government on Thursday cancelled all leaves for its officers until further notice amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan as security was heightened across the Capital, senior police officers said. Police officers were seen regulating traffic and asking people to vacate the road around C-Hexagon, India Gate, on Thursday night. However, police officers said that the move was part of routine traffic regulation exercise generally carried out in the area. 'Delhi is on high alert, and security has been heightened across the city. We have increased night patrolling and DCPs have been told to neutralise any suspicious activity,' said a senior police official, asking to remain anonymous. 'The competent authority has directed that no leave shall be granted to any officer or official of the Government of NCT of Delhi until further orders,' said an order issued by the services department late Thursday. The leaves of doctors at all government hospitals in Delhi have also been cancelled, officers confirmed. .
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Delhi govt cancels leaves, installs air raid sirens amid reports of drone attacks in Jammu
As drone attacks were reported in Jammu and along the International Border via Pakistani drones on Thursday, the leaves of all government officials in Delhi have been cancelled. In an order, the Services department said, 'In view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for the emergency response system, the Competent Authority has directed that no leave shall be granted to any Officer/Official of the Government of NCT of Delhi, till further orders.' This includes doctors and staff in Delhi government hospitals as well. The Delhi Police headquarters also directed that no leaves will be given to its personnel till further orders. District Magistrates (DMs) across the city, meanwhile, have been asked to ensure that air raid sirens are installed across the Capital by Friday. The Delhi Airport has an existing system in place. Till late Thursday evening, both electrical and manual sirens were installed in Dwarka, Uttam Nagar, Najafgarh and Kapashera. According to sources, all DMs were ordered to work through the night to ensure directions are followed and preparations for emergency response are made in all 11 districts. Mock drills were conducted in 55 locations in Delhi on Wednesday, which included blackouts in several places. On Thursday, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) issued an advisory for blackouts. 'It is advised that during 'Declared Power Blackout', no alternate/backup power supply should be switched on to ensure safety and security of the Capital,' it said. Sources in the local civic body said the advisory was issued because during Wednesday's drill, several hotels, restaurants, and shops switched to power backups, defeating the purpose of a blackout. NDMC officials also said the area's powerhouses have been connected with the Tughlakabad Air Force Station, and next time a blackout occurs, it will be coordinated through the station. In notifications released late Thursday night, meanwhile, the Haryana government and its health and fire departments asked civil employees not to leave their headquarters or areas where they are posted. The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services directed that employees' leaves sanctioned be cancelled forthwith 'in light of the prevailing situation in the country and the increasing risk of fire incidents due to changing environmental and operational conditions'. The department stressed that it is 'imperative to strengthen fire safety preparedness across all districts in the state'. Likewise, the Haryana Directorate of Health Services has stated that there will be no further leave sanctioned, and government doctors cannot leave their stations without its approval. The State's Human Resources Department has asked government employees, including civil servants, university employees, PSU employees, etc, to strictly not leave their stations or headquarters.
