Supreme Court Rebukes Sharmila Tagore in Stray Dog Case
The Supreme Court on Friday criticised veteran actor Sharmila Tagore’s arguments in an ongoing case on stray dog management, saying her examples were “detached from reality” as the top court examined evidence and proposals related to controlling stray animals in public spaces.
Court Hearing and Comments
During a hearing on a suo motu case about rising stray dog incidents, the Supreme Court bench questioned Tagore’s stance against a uniform approach to tackling the issue. The actor’s counsel had argued that there should be a distinction between aggressive and non-aggressive dogs and cited examples like a friendly dog living on the AIIMS campus to support a more tailored method. The court responded that such examples do not reflect the broader situation and stressed the need for practical solutions that ensure public safety.
The bench also pointed out potential risks in allowing dogs to roam in sensitive areas like hospitals, noting concerns over hygiene and health. It emphasised that any proposal must confront on-ground realities rather than anecdotes about individual animals.
Broader Stray Dog Debate
The case has attracted widespread attention because of a larger debate in India over how to manage stray dog populations. The court is considering arguments from various stakeholders including animal welfare groups, civic authorities and public safety advocates. The focus remains on balancing humane treatment with community safety.
Next Steps in the Case
The Supreme Court continues to hear submissions on possible solutions, including revisiting existing rules and the role of expert committees in classifying and managing stray dogs. Future hearings are expected to further explore scientific and humane approaches to the issue.
