Thiruvananthapuram
During a regional conference on human–wildlife conflict in Thiruvananthapuram, Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath offered a witty reflection on the unexpected global attention that followed his courtroom involvement in the controversial stray dog case.
Justice Nath credits stray dogs for his newfound fame
Justice Nath, who heads the three-judge bench which reversed the August 11 order banning the release of stray dogs into Delhi-NCR neighborhoods, expressed gratitude — not only to the Chief Justice of India, B. R. Gavai, for entrusting him with the case, but also humorously to the stray dogs themselves for “making [him] known… in the entire civil society across the world.”
Recognition beyond legal circles
He recounted an interaction at the Law Asia POLA Summit, where lawyers’ association leaders approached him specifically about the stray dogs matter. “I felt very elated… people outside India also know me,” he shared.
Adding to the levity, Nath said he has received messages not just from dog lovers, but jokingly said “dogs are also giving me blessings and good wishes,” blending wisdom with humor.
Background: the modified stray dog verdict
The bench, co-headed by Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N. V. Anjaria, issued the modification on August 22. It softened the earlier August 11 directive by allowing stray dogs to be sterilised, vaccinated, and released back to where they were picked up — except dogs that are rabid or aggressive.