NEW DELHI | JULY 28, 2025 — Alarmed by a surge in rabies-related deaths and injuries caused by stray dog bites, the Supreme Court of India on Monday initiated a suo motu case to address the growing public health crisis.
DISTURBING REPORT ON RABIES TRIGGERS JUDICIAL INTERVENTION
A Bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan was prompted to act after reading a report in the Times of India titled, “City hounded by strays and kids pay price”. The article revealed a troubling rise in dog bite incidents, particularly affecting children and the elderly.
“This is a highly disturbing news report titled ‘City hounded by strays and kids pay price’. It contains extremely troubling details. There are reports of hundreds of dog bite incidents from both cities and peripheral areas, many of which have led to rabies infections. Ultimately, it is infants and senior citizens who are falling prey to this deadly disease,” the Court observed.
SUO MOTU WRIT PETITION REGISTERED
Responding to the grave situation, the Court formally took suo motu cognisance of the issue and directed the Supreme Court Registry to initiate a writ petition based on the matter.
“We are taking suo motu cognisance. The registry has been directed to treat the matter as a suo motu writ petition and place the order along with the news report before the Chief Justice of India for necessary directions,” the Court said.
The matter will now be referred to Chief Justice of India BR Gavai for appropriate listing and further orders.
