The Supreme Court’s August 11 directive to relocate all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR to shelters within eight weeks has drawn strong criticism from Bollywood. Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan shared a powerful petition on Instagram, calling the move a “death sentence” and urging humane solutions like mass sterilisation, vaccination, community feeding, and adoption—not confinement . Raveena Tandon labeled the judgment “ridiculous” and “inhumane,” blaming local bodies for failing to implement ABC (Animal Birth Control) programs . Meanwhile, John Abraham wrote to the Chief Justice, calling the order illegal, impractical and contrary to ABC Rules, and stressed that community dogs are integral to Delhi’s social fabric. (PC: Instagram)

India’s Supreme Court has ordered the swift removal of all stray dogs from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, calling the situation “extremely grim” amid mounting rabies cases and attacks—especially involving children and the elderly . The court mandated establishment of shelters with sterilisation, immunisation, CCTV monitoring, and a rapid-response helpline, all within an eight-week deadline. Authorities must ensure no dogs are returned to the streets. However, animal welfare groups warn of chronic shelter shortages—Delhi’s municipal bodies currently operate only 20 shelters housing fewer than 5,000 dogs, while the estimated stray population nears one million—raising serious doubts about implementation. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh has welcomed the Supreme Court’s order to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR within eight weeks. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi will implement the plan in phases, starting with rabies-infected and aggressive dogs. Singh said 20 operational shelters will house the animals, with NGO assistance and a new helpline for public reporting. The initiative also includes scaling up sterilisation and creating dog-free areas. The SC has barred releasing captured dogs back onto streets and warned of action against those obstructing the process. Several animal rights activists protesting at India Gate were detained by police. (PC: HT)

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas defended 20% Ethanol Blended Petrol (E20), rejecting concerns over reduced mileage and vehicle damage. It said E20 offers better acceleration, improved ride quality, and 30% lower carbon emissions compared to E10, while boosting farmers’ income and reducing suicides. Research by NITI Aayog, IOCL, ARAI, and SIAM found minimal efficiency drops in compatible vehicles. The ministry highlighted Brazil’s long-term ethanol use and noted only minor, inexpensive replacements may be needed in older vehicles. E20 supports India’s climate goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65%, and contributes to energy security, environmental sustainability, and rural prosperity. (PC: News18)

Bollywood celebrities, including Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Anand, and John Abraham, have expressed their disappointment the Supreme Court’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and confine them in shelters. Calling it “inhumane” and a “death sentence,” stars argued the order ignores humane solutions like sterilization, vaccination, and adoption. Siddharth Anand termed it “genocide,” while Vir Das urged residents to adopt strays. John Abraham wrote to the Chief Justice, calling the directive inconsistent with Animal Birth Control Rules. The court cited rising rabies cases, directing shelters for 5,000 dogs in 6–8 weeks, warning strict action against obstruction. (PC: Deccan herald)

Actor and animal rights advocate John Abraham has urged the Chief Justice of India to review the Supreme Court’s directive ordering the removal of all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR within eight weeks. In his letter, Abraham called the order “illegal, impractical, and inhumane,” warning that displacement would worsen public health risks. He emphasized that community dogs are territorial and help prevent the entry of unvaccinated, aggressive newcomers. Citing WHO guidelines and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, he advocated sterilization and vaccination over relocation. Abraham highlighted successful ABC programs in Jaipur and Lucknow and stressed that Delhi’s estimated 10 lakh dogs cannot be humanely or practically sheltered en masse. (PC: M9 News & NDTV)

The Supreme Court has endorsed the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) stance that Aadhaar cannot be accepted as conclusive proof of citizenship. During hearings on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, Justice Surya Kant stated that Aadhaar must be independently verified, even when submitted with other documents like ration cards. Petitioners, including senior advocate Kapil Sibal, warned that the EC’s process could lead to mass voter exclusions, especially among those unable to submit fresh forms. The court questioned the alleged deletion of 65 lakh names and emphasized the need for legal authority in the verification process. The bench also sought clarity on whether the SIR exercise aligns with constitutional provisions. (PC: Wikipedia)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said no action should be taken for now against owners of 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in Delhi. The order came while hearing the Delhi government’s plea challenging the ban, which it argued should be based on pollution levels and mileage, not age. Chief Justice BR Gavai said the matter will be heard again in four weeks. Delhi’s environment minister called the decision a “big relief” for residents. The old vehicle ban dates back to 2015, when the National Green Tribunal issued restrictions to reduce pollution, and was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. (PC: AFP)

Police on Monday detained animal rights activists, rescuers, and dog lovers protesting at India Gate against the Supreme Court order to relocate all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters within eight weeks. Protesters said they were being punished for feeding and caring for animals. The court, led by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, ordered all localities to be cleared of stray dogs, with no captured dog to be released back. It warned of contempt action against anyone obstructing the drive. Authorities were told to set up shelters with enough staff to sterilise and vaccinate the dogs. (PC: ANI)

An India Today check of two MCD-run dog sterilisation centres in Delhi has found overcrowding, poor hygiene, and missing staff. The inspection followed a Supreme Court order to capture, sterilise, and permanently shelter 5,000 stray dogs in Delhi-NCR within six weeks. At Lajpat Nagar, the centre was locked and staff unresponsive. In Masoodpur, records were missing, kennels overcrowded, and food left uncovered. The Tughlaqabad centre kept dogs far longer than rules allow. Delhi has no dedicated dog shelters, and experts warn the current facilities cannot meet sterilisation targets, raising doubts about the city’s ability to follow the court’s directive. (PC: India Today)