IN REFERENCE (SUO MOTU) vs STATE OF M.P — T.C.(C) No. 56/2026

SUMMARY OF T.C.(C) NO. 56/2026 IN SUO MOTO WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 5/2025 Current Status of the Case: Transferred Case (Civil) No. 56 of 2026 is one of several transferred cases that have been consolidated with Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5/2025, titled "IN RE: CITY HOUNDED BY STRAYS, KIDS PAY PRICE." Primary Issue: The case centers on addressing the grave menace of stray dog attacks and rabies transmission in India, particularly in institutional areas (schools, colleges, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations) and on national/state highways. Key Developments: 1. Initial Cognizance (July 28, 2025): The Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of a Times of India newspaper report highlighting increasing dog bite incidents in Delhi, including fatal cases of children. 2. First Order (August 11, 2025): The Court issued mandatory directions to: - Capture and relocate stray dogs from NCR localities to designated shelters/pounds - Sterilize, deworm, and vaccinate dogs per Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 - Create dog shelters/pounds with adequate infrastructure - NOT release sterilized dogs back onto streets - Establish helplines for reporting dog bites 3. Modified Order (August 22, 2025): Following concerns raised by animal welfare organizations, the Court: - Allowed sterilized and vaccinated dogs (except rabid/aggressive ones) to be released back to original locations per ABC Rules - Established dedicated feeding zones - Required deposits from interveners (Rs. 25,000 for individuals; Rs. 2,00,000 for NGOs) - Directed the Animal Welfare Board to issue Standard Operating Procedures 4. Latest Order (November 7, 2025): The Court issued comprehensive directions specifically for institutional areas: - Secure all premises with adequate fencing within 8 weeks - Designate nodal officers for each institution - Remove stray dogs from institutional premises WITHOUT releasing them back to those locations - Maintain mandatory stock of anti-rabies vaccines in hospitals - Conduct awareness sessions in schools - Regular inspections every three months - Implement proper waste management systems - Deploy security personnel for continuous vigilance Status as of Latest Hearing (January 29, 2026): - Orders/Judgment have been RESERVED - The Court directed counsel to file brief notes and soft copies - Case scheduled for further hearing on January 13, 2026 Critical Directions: - All States and Union Territories must file compliance affidavits within 8 weeks - Animal Welfare Board must issue detailed SOPs within 4 weeks - Non-compliance will invite contempt proceedings - Personal accountability fixed on concerned officials Expected Outcome: The Court is balancing human safety (particularly of children, elderly, and vulnerable persons) with animal welfare by implementing stricter control measures while mandating humane treatment of captured dogs. The judgment will likely establish uniform national guidelines for stray dog management in both institutional and public spaces. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.