The Supreme Court’s recent decision to clear Delhi’s roads of stray dogs has stirred strong reactions, with veteran actress and politician Nafisa Ali calling it “totally devastating.” She took to Instagram to express her dismay, sharing heartfelt images of herself feeding strays on a Goa beach. For Nafisa, the ruling isn’t just controversial — it’s a “disaster in the making.”
Dogs have been a constant in her life, offering companionship during some of her toughest moments. “I cannot imagine my life without dogs,” she wrote. “Street dogs are the kindest and most loving.” She recounted how caring for beach dogs during the Covid lockdown and her cancer recovery brought her comfort and purpose. “Their companionship made the isolation more bearable,” she added.
The Supreme Court’s order, however, leaves no room for sentimentality. A bench led by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan directed civic bodies across Delhi-NCR to remove all stray dogs and relocate them to shelters. Public safety and the rising threat of rabies were cited as key reasons for the drastic measure.
The court described the situation as “grim,” stressing the need to protect children, women, and the elderly from potential dog attacks. Municipal corporations in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad have been told to act swiftly. Any group obstructing the removal faces legal consequences.
Authorities must now round up strays and place them in shelters. If shelters don’t exist, they must build them and report progress to the court within eight weeks. The directive leaves little wiggle room, prioritizing human safety over animal welfare concerns.
Nafisa’s emotional plea stands in stark contrast to the court’s no-nonsense approach. Known for her roles in films like *Life In A… Metro* and *Guzaarish*, she has long been a vocal advocate for animals. Her posts highlight the bond between humans and strays, a bond she fears will be shattered by this ruling.
As debates rage over balancing public safety and animal rights, one thing is clear: the decision will have far-reaching consequences. For now, Delhi’s strays are at the center of a heated discussion, with voices like Nafisa’s urging reconsideration.