In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has modified its previous order regarding the management of stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), stating that its earlier directive to prohibit the release of treated and vaccinated dogs was “too harsh.” The top court’s observation came on Friday as it directed that sterilised and immunised stray dogs should be released back into the same area they were picked up from, unless they are suffering from rabies or show aggressive behavior.
The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, expressed its opinion that the August 11 order was overly strict. “The direction given in the order dated 11th August, 2025, prohibiting the release of the treated and vaccinated dogs seems to be too harsh, in our opinion,” the justices stated. The court also cautioned against a blanket direction to impound the entire stray dog population without first assessing the existing infrastructure and human resources of municipal bodies. It warned that such a directive could lead to a “catch-22 situation” and be impossible to comply with.
GST Panel Supports Scrapping 12% and 28% Tax Slabs
Proposal Sent to GST Council Following PM Modi’s Independence Day Announcement
A key Group of Ministers (GoM) has backed the removal of the 12% and 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) slabs, a move that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day announcement to rationalise the indirect tax regime. The proposal, which was supported with some suggestions from the GoM, has now been referred to the GST Council for a final decision.
If the GST Council approves the move, the existing four-slab structure will be simplified, leaving only the 5% and 18% slabs. There is also a possibility of introducing a new 40% slab for ultra-luxury items. During the meeting, some states raised concerns about potential revenue loss and compensation, which will also be considered by the GST Council.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who is the convener of the GoM, confirmed that suggestions were made on the proposals and the matter has been referred to the GST Council. West Bengal Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya voiced her state’s concerns, stating, “I raised in the meeting that if the states are going to lose the revenue… then we want to know how we are going to be compensated.” She added that the GoM’s report to the GST Council will include these concerns. Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna also highlighted the need for common people to benefit from the changes.