Justice Vikram Nath Attributes Global Recognition to Delhi Stray Dog Case

Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath humorously acknowledged the unexpected source of his international fame. Speaking at the “Regional Conference on Human-Wildlife Conflict” in Thiruvananthapuram, he explained how a high-profile case involving stray dogs in Delhi brought him global attention. Justice Nath stated that he is grateful to the stray dogs for making him known worldwide, highlighting his role in the three-member bench that presided over the significant case. He noted that his recognition now extends beyond legal circles to include broader civil society, crediting the case with this shift. He also mentioned receiving messages of support from dog lovers and, humorously, from dogs themselves. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of India, B. R. Gavai, for assigning him the case. During the ‘Law Asia POLA Summit,’ he was asked about the case by heads of foreign lawyers’ associations, which made him feel proud of his international recognition. The bench, led by Justice Nath, stayed an order banning the release of stray dogs caught in Delhi-NCR, mandating their return to their original locations post-vaccination and sterilization. The case was assigned to Justice Nath amidst widespread opposition to the initial order, which was deemed inhumane and impractical. Justice Nath’s bench formulated a balanced solution. Justice Vikram Nath is in line to become the next Chief Justice of India in 2027, following Justice Surya Kant.