The ongoing stray dog matter is being heard by the Supreme Court, where the case is being argued vigorously, with detailed submissions and counter-submissions from the parties. The hearings have been marked by active engagement from the judges, including occasional remarks, adding to the intensity of the courtroom proceedings.

During a hearing in the Supreme Court’s ongoing suo motu case on stray dogs on 21st January, 2026, the parents of six-year-old Chavi Sharma made an emotional plea before Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria. Chavi’s death had prompted the Court to take up the issue last August, following a Times of India report titled “In a city hounded by strays, kids pay the price.” Her parents asked the Court to order an investigation into alleged negligence by the hospital, which they claim led to their daughter’s death.

Facts:

Advocate Jasdeep Dhillon, appearing for the bereaved family, said that six-year-old Chavi was repeatedly bitten by a stray dog in Delhi’s Pooth Kalan. He told the court that she was given three doses of the rabies vaccine at Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini, but was then taken to Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital. According to him, none of these hospitals admitted her or provided proper treatment for her wounds.

He also told the court that the same dog had earlier bitten four other people, but no action was taken by the authorities. He also clarified to the bench that Chavi’s death was caused by an acute viral illness that developed after the dog bite.

When lawyers representing animal rights groups questioned the rabies diagnosis, pointing to an inconclusive post-mortem report that did not include brain tissue analysis and noting that the child had been eating and drinking in her final days—the court intervened strongly.

Justice Mehta asked, “You’re trying to suggest her death was due to natural causes?” Following this, Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta stopped all lawyers from making further submissions on the specific facts of Chavi’s case.

Separately, another advocate representing a dog bite survivor highlighted the absence of accountability for stray dogs involved in repeated attacks. He argued that if animals such as buffaloes can be culled for human requirements, then violent stray dogs should also be dealt with through similar measures.

Case Detail: In Re : 'City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price', SMW(C) No. 5/2025 (and connected cases)