'Contempt of court': SC slams Maneka Gandhi for criticising order in stray dog case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on former Union minister and animal rights activist, Maneka Gandhi for her remarks criticising the apex court's orders in the stray dog issue.

The top court orally said that she has "committed contempt of court," but it was the court's "magnanimity" that it did not take contempt action against her.

Taking up a suo motu case related to stray dogs, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria took strong exception to Gandhi's statements during a podcast.

The court asked senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for Gandhi, "You were telling the court we should be circumspect, but what kind of statements she was making?"

"Your client has committed contempt. We are not taking cognisance of that. That is our magnanimity. Have you heard her podcast? What is her body language? What she says and how she says," the bench said.

The bench also said as a former minister, she has made "all kinds of comments against everyone without even thinking."

During the hearing at one point, Ramachandran said, he had appeared for 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab. Hearing this, Justice Nath replied, "Kasab had not committed contempt."

The submissions of individuals, NGOs concluded on Tuesday.

The court fixed the matter for further hearing on January 28.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for one of the petitioners, said sterilisation reduces the aggression of stray dogs, but no effective sterilisation is being implemented in most cities.

He argued that the court's observations can sometimes lead to unfortunate consequences. "For example, the said feeders should be made responsible for dog bites. Perhaps it was sarcastic," he added.

The bench, however, replied, "No, we didn't make it sarcastically. We said it very seriously."

Advocate Harsh Jaidka, for another petitioner, said, there were many stray dogs where he stayed and there was much disturbance.

"I have started having sleep disorder. Kids can't study. Authorities did not initiate any action. They said we can only do vaccination and sterilisation. NHRC has also not taken any action. In case of nuisance, stray dogs can be removed," he submitted.

Another lawyer contented that there should be a helpline in every city.

Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, said, "Constitution mandates us to be compassionate towards all beings."

Another advocate, Ajit Sharma, contended that responsibility to sterilise rests on authorities.