The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi’s remarks criticising its orders regarding stray dogs, stating that her comments amount to contempt of court.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria remarked that Gandhi had made “all kinds of comments” against authorities without proper consideration. While the bench noted that it would not initiate formal contempt proceedings, it highlighted her criticism as inappropriate.
Questioning Gandhi’s counsel, senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, the bench asked whether he had discussed the nature of her remarks with her, pointing out her comments on podcasts and her “body language.” Justice Mehta also asked about Gandhi’s contributions as a former Union minister toward budgetary allocations for addressing the stray dog problem. Ramachandran responded that budget allocation is a policy matter and cited his prior representation of terrorist Ajmal Kasab as context. Justice Nath countered, saying, “Ajmal Kasab did not commit contempt of court but your client has.”
The court clarified that its earlier remarks regarding accountability for dog feeders were serious in intent, not sarcastic. The case hearing is ongoing.
Earlier, on January 13, the Supreme Court had indicated that it would direct states to pay “heavy compensation” for dog bite incidents and hold individuals who feed stray dogs accountable, while noting concerns over the non-implementation of stray animal norms over the past five years.