New Delhi, September 21: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to constitute a special bench to hear a plea filed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) challenging a direction to construct shelters for stray cattle across the country.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana considered the request made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the NHAI.
Mehta said a special bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath had directed the NHAI to establish shelters for stray cattle across the country, a responsibility that, according to the Authority, should instead be handled by local district-level administrations.
He submitted that implementing the direction nationwide could involve an expenditure of around ₹7,000 crore.
“Our case is that it should be done by the local district-level administration. We cannot do it pan India,” the Solicitor General said.
Mehta also sought the reconstitution of the special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria to hear the NHAI’s application.
The Solicitor General told the CJI that the matter was connected with proceedings concerning stray dogs and other issues related to the management of stray animals.
He pointed out that the special bench could be constituted only with specific directions from the Chief Justice.
“We will constitute,” Chief Justice Surya Kant said.
The matter arises amid ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court concerning the management of stray dogs and cattle and the respective responsibilities of government authorities in addressing the issue.
