Thiruvananthapuram, August 31, 2025 — In a light-hearted yet meaningful moment at a human-wildlife conflict conference, Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath—who is next in line to become Chief Justice of India in 2027—credited a stray dog case for elevating his global profile.
Addressing a gathering of jurists, Justice Nath expressed gratitude to the street dogs of Delhi-NCR and attributed his newfound civil-society recognition—extending beyond India—to the case he presided over. “I am thankful to the stray dogs for making me known… not only in this country but world over,” he said as attendees laughed, showing the unique way this legal matter resonated with the public and media beyond judicial corridors. He also thanked Chief Justice BR Gavai for assigning him the matter, which sparked widespread public and press interest.
He recalled being asked about the case at a recent summit of legal professionals, letting him realize that “people outside India also know me.” Justice Nath also added that he even received playful messages suggesting that dogs themselves were blessing him—a humorous insight that underlined the case’s unusual reach.
What Happened in the Case?
- On August 11, a two-judge Supreme Court bench ordered the relocation of Delhi-NCR stray dogs into shelters—a move that triggered protests from animal lovers, who found it inhumane and impractical.
- In response, Chief Justice Gavai reassigned the matter to a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath. On August 22, this bench modified the earlier directive, allowing the release of vaccinated and sterilized dogs back into their original areas—balancing public concerns with humane treatment.
Why It Resonated Globally
- Balancing Rights & Responsibility: The ruling stood out as a thoughtful middle path—acknowledging public safety while respecting animal welfare.
- Public Engagement: The case captured hearts on social media, sparking widespread awareness about urban wildlife coexistence—a rare intersection of law, ethics, and empathy.
- Human Tone in Judiciary: Justice Nath’s humorous and generous remarks humanized the judiciary, showing judges can communicate policy with warmth and shared societal values.