The Supreme Court on Friday took a stern view of the non-compliance by several States and Union Territories in the ongoing matter concerning the stray dog menace, directing that their Chief Secretaries must appear physically before the Court.

Turning down Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s request to permit virtual participation, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said that no exemptions would be granted and that top officials must personally explain their failure to submit compliance affidavits.

Justice Nath remarked in strong terms:

“Let them come physically. It’s unfortunate that this Court is forced to spend time on issues that should have been handled by the State Governments and Municipal Corporations years ago. Rules exist, but there is no action and no respect for Court orders.”

The Court noted that although some affidavits were later filed, most appeared to have been submitted after the previous hearing, during which only three were on record. The bench directed that the defaulting Chief Secretaries must file their compliance reports and personally explain the delay.

Earlier, on October 27, the Supreme Court had summoned the Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs, except West Bengal and Telangana, for failing to submit reports detailing the measures taken to enforce the Animal Birth Control Rules. It had recorded that only West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi had complied with the Court’s August 22 order.

The bench also pointed out that no representatives of the defaulting States were present during the hearing, despite the matter being widely reported and official notices issued. Expressing dissatisfaction, the Court said that the Chief Secretaries must personally face the bench and account for their inaction.

Case Title: In Re: “City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price” | SMW(C) No. 5/2025