Delhi: Various lawyers practicing in the Delhi High Court wrote a letter to the Registrar General. They seek a modification of a circular dated February 28 which directed all the advocates, staff members, litigants, police, and CRPF Personnel to refrain from feeding stray animals like dogs and monkeys inside the court premises.
Advocate Gauri Puri wrote a letter, bearing the signatures of the other practicing lawyers. The letter stated that feeding stray animals is essential for the peaceful existence of humans and animals. If not fed, the dogs might hunt for food and even turn aggressive.
Significantly, after the representation of this, another circular was issued by the Admin branch of the High Court. This confined the restriction to only feeding stray monkeys. The circular dated March 4, 2022, does not mention stray dogs.
It, therefore, requests all advocates, staff members, litigants, police, and CRPF Personnel to strictly refrain from feeding stray monkeys in the court complex. Also, ensure windows of the Court Buildings and blocks are not left open.
Requesting the circular dated February 28 was modified to the extent that feeding stray dogs would be allowed at certain spots. The letter also stated that a committee comprising of animal feeders, caretakers, and staff of Delhi High Court may be constituted to identify the feeding spots.
Reliance has been placed on a judgment delivered by the single judge of the HC last year. It issued guidelines for feeding stray dogs after holding that citizens have a right to feed. However, it was stayed by the Supreme Court.
The letter also placed reliance on the SC decision in the case titled Animal welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja & Ors. where it was underscored that the animals have a right to life.
