Stray dog menace: Supreme Court issues new norms against leftover food disposal in court premises

A day after directing Delhi-NCR authorities to permanently relocate all strays from streets to shelters ‘at the earliest’, the Supreme Court has issued a significant directive aimed at improving cleanliness and safety within court premises. In its order, the apex court mandated that all leftover food items must be disposed of exclusively in properly covered dustbins.

This move is intended to curb the presence of stray dogs and prevent incidents of animal bites in the court premises. The decision comes after repeated reports of stray dogs roaming freely in and around court complexes, often attracted by improperly discarded food.

These stray dog gatherings have not only disrupted the smooth functioning of courts but have also posed safety risks, particularly in cases of aggressive behaviour or bites. The Supreme Court observed that careless food disposal was a major contributing factor to the problem.

Under the new directive, all court canteens, vendors, and staff will be held responsible for ensuring that waste food is placed in covered bins that are regularly emptied. The order also emphasizes the role of local municipal bodies in maintaining strict waste management protocols within court premises. Failure to comply could lead to penalties or other disciplinary actions.

Legal experts have welcomed the directive, noting that it aligns with broader public health and animal control measures. Animal welfare groups, however, have urged that while stray population control is important, humane methods such as sterilization and sheltering should be pursued alongside the cleanliness mandate.

With this directive, the Supreme Court aims to set an example for other public institutions, ensuring both a cleaner environment and a safer space for all who visit or work in the courts.