Supreme Court stray dog ruling shuts door on the voiceless: Sharmila Tagore

Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore has become the latest public figure to voice her concern over the Supreme Court’s controversial decision to remove stray dogs from public areas in the Delhi-NCR region. Anish Gawande, National Spokesperson for the NCP, posted a video on X in which Tagore called for a more thoughtful and compassionate approach to the issue.

Tagore, who owns a home in Delhi, expressed her dismay at the ruling, stating, "We are currently grappling with a crisis of conscience. This recent judgment feels like a door has been slammed shut on the most vulnerable and voiceless members of our society. I had hoped that the preservation of life and dignity would lie at the heart



of such decisions."

She added, "What was needed was a more measured and considered response to the systemic shortcomings that have contributed to what’s now being described as a ‘dog menace’. In silencing those who cannot speak for themselves, we risk diminishing something essential within ourselves."

Calling on the authorities to reconsider their stance, Tagore urged, "This reliance on control over compassion has caused immense damage. I sincerely hope the Supreme Court will reflect and strike a just and humane balance."

Amid mounting public backlash, Chief Justice BR Gavai agreed to revisit the court’s decision on August 13.