'Gave Me Global Recongnition': Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath On Stray Dog Order

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 11:26 IST

Justice Vikram Nath headed the three-judge bench that stayed an earlier order from a two-judge bench mandating the sheltering of the stray dog.

Justice Vikram Nath Thankful To CJI For Allotting Stray Dog Case To Him 

In a light-hearted conversation, Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath shared his experience with a recent stray dog hearing. He became everyone’s favourite by siding with the earlier order of sheltering the stray dogs.

Speaking on the matter, Nath expressed that this case gave him global recognition. He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for assigning him the case related to the issue of stray dogs.

“So [far], I have been known in the legal fraternity for the little work I do, but I am thankful to the stray dogs (case) for making me known to the entire civil society, not only in this country but worldwide. And I am thankful to my CJI for allotting me that matter," he was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench.

His remarks came during an address at an event on growing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala. The conference, organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA), was held in Thiruvananthapuram and was attended by Supreme Court and High Court judges.

During his address, Justice Nath was responding to the questions asked to him related to the stray dogs matter. Presidents of various lawyers’ associations asked the questions.

“And I have also been receiving messages saying that apart from dog lovers, dogs are also giving me blessings and good wishes. In addition to human blessings and good wishes, I have their good wishes also. Our courts have upheld the public trust doctrine, reminding us that natural resources are not the property of the state, but a trust to be preserved for present and future generations," he said.

On August 11, the court directed the Delhi government and municipal authorities to immediately capture all stray dogs across Delhi-NCR and relocate them to designated shelters due to escalating dog bites.

On August 22, a three-judge bench, headed by Justice Vikram Nath, modified that initial order.

It directed that stray dogs, once sterilised, de-wormed and vaccinated, must be released back to the locations from which they were picked up, except in cases where the dogs are rabid or show aggressive behaviour.

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August 31, 2025, 11:26 IST

News india 'Gave Me Global Recongnition': Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath On Stray Dog Order

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