New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to exempt Bihar’s Chief Secretary from appearing at a hearing on the management of stray dogs, citing the Election Commission’s oversight of the state ahead of the assembly elections.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the Chief Secretary’s request, which was made in light of the upcoming polls, scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11. “The Election Commission will handle everything in the state. Don’t worry. Let the Chief Secretary come,” the court said.
The apex court has summoned Chief Secretaries from states and union territories that have not submitted affidavits addressing the nationwide stray dog problem. States including Bengal, Telangana, and Delhi, which have complied, were granted relief. During a previous hearing on October 27, the court had expressed displeasure over delays in filing affidavits.
The case originated on July 28, when the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting the stray dog crisis. Addressing the Chief Secretary’s legal team, the bench noted that the officer’s presence was unrelated to election duties, rejecting requests for a junior official to appear in his place.
The court emphasised the international embarrassment posed by India’s stray dog problem. Municipal authorities were directed to submit detailed affidavits listing resources under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules, including dog kennels, veterinary services, dog-catching personnel, and specialised vehicles and cages.
