The Meghalaya High Court has recalled its earlier order that sought to retain a pending Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the problem of stray dogs in the State, in view of the Supreme Court’s direction transferring all such matters to itself.
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh, on September 26, 2025, withdrew the August 30 order passed by a previous Bench headed by then Chief Justice IP Mukerji (since retired) and Justice Diengdoh. The Court directed that the case records be forwarded by the High Court Registry to the Supreme Court Registry without delay.
The PIL, filed by Senior Advocate Kaustav Paul, had been pending before the Meghalaya High Court since 2024. It raised concerns regarding the stray dog menace in the State, highlighting threats to public safety, hygiene, and municipal management.
On August 22, 2025, the Supreme Court had passed a comprehensive order transferring all pending stray dog-related cases across High Courts to itself, noting the existence of common legal and administrative issues nationwide.
Despite this, on August 30, 2025, the Meghalaya High Court initially expressed the view that the problem in the State had a peculiar and distinct character, warranting continued hearing by the local High Court. Accordingly, the Bench directed its Registrar General to approach the Supreme Court with a request to permit retention of the case.
The Supreme Court’s involvement in the issue began with an August 11, 2025 order by a Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, directing the Delhi municipal authorities to begin rounding up stray dogs and establish shelters within eight weeks.
The directive triggered widespread protests from animal rights groups and dog lovers, leading to the matter being reassigned to a Bench led by Justice Vikram Nath. On August 22, 2025, the three-judge Bench (Justice Vikram Nath, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice R Mahadevan) modified the earlier order and directed that all pending stray dog cases before High Courts be transferred to the Supreme Court for analogous hearing.
The Bench recorded:
“We are also informed that numerous writ petitions/suo motu petitions are pending in various High Courts, more or less dealing with common issues. Hence, the Registry shall seek information about such pending writ petitions from the Registrar Generals of all the High Courts, and thereafter, these writ petitions shall stand transferred to this Court for analogous consideration along with the main matter.”
On September 26, 2025, the State of Meghalaya, represented by Advocate General A. Kumar along with advocate E.R. Chyne, requested that the earlier order seeking retention be recalled in light of the Supreme Court’s binding transfer directive.
Neither the petitioner, Senior Advocate K. Paul (appearing in person), nor the Shillong Municipal Board (represented by Advocate S. Dey) raised objections to the State’s plea.
Accepting the request, the Bench of Acting Chief Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice W. Diengdoh recalled the August 30 direction and ordered immediate transmission of the PIL records to the Supreme Court.
Outcome
• The Meghalaya High Court withdrew its earlier bid to retain jurisdiction over the stray dog PIL.
• The PIL records will now be transmitted to the Supreme Court Registry.
• The matter will be heard along with other stray dog-related cases pending before the Apex Court.
Case Details
• Case Title: The State of Meghalaya v. Kaustav Paul & Ors.
• Court: Meghalaya High Court (Division Bench)
• Date of Recall Order: September 26, 2025
• Earlier Order (now recalled): August 30, 2025
