Stray dogs case made me known globally: Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath

I have also been receiving messages saying that apart from dog lovers, dogs are also giving me blessings and good wishes, the Supreme Court judge said.

Justice Vikram Nath

Published on:

30 Aug 2025, 10:49 am

2 min read

Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath on Saturday said that while he was known for his work within the legal fraternity, the stray dogs matter has now led to his recognition not just in India but across the world.

He expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for assigning him the case related to issue of stray dogs.

"So [far], I have been known in the legal fraternity for the little work I do, but I am thankful to the stray dogs (case) for making me known to the entire civil society, not only in this country but world over. And I am thankful to my CJI for allotting me that matter," he said.

Justice Nath was speaking at an event aimed at addressing the growing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala.

The conference organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) was held in Thiruvananthapuram and was attended by Supreme Court and High Court judges.

In his speech, remarked that during a recent event, where presidents of various lawyers’ associations were present, several of them asked him about the stray dogs matter.

"And I have also been receiving messages saying that apart from dog lovers, dogs are also giving me blessings and good wishes. In addition to human blessings and good wishes, I have their good wishes also. Our courts have upheld the public trust doctrine, reminding us that natural resources are not the property of state, but a trust to be preserved for present and future generations," he said.

The issue concerning stray dogs hogged limelight after a Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan on August 11 ordered the municipal authorities in Delhi to begin rounding up stray dogs from all areas, and to establish shelters within eight weeks.

However, following widespread protests by animal rights activists and dog lovers, the case was assigned to a three-judge bench headed by Justice Nath.

The three-judge bench on August 22 modified the August 11 order. The bench of Justices Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria ordered that the dogs shall be released from dog shelters after being dewormed and vaccinated.