Current Affairs Questions for CLAT | QB Set 6

The Supreme Court recently passed significant directions concerning the growing stray dog menace in India. A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice N. V. Anjaria allowed authorities to undertake euthanasia of rabid, incurably ill and demonstrably dangerous or aggressive dogs in accordance with statutory procedures under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The Court observed that repeated incidents of dog bites, particularly involving children and elderly persons, had become a serious public safety issue. Along with permitting euthanasia in limited cases, the Court directed States and Union Territories to establish fully functional Animal Birth Control centres in every district, strengthen vaccination and veterinary infrastructure, and ensure availability of anti-rabies vaccines in government hospitals. The Court also directed High Courts to monitor compliance through suo motu proceedings and empowered courts to initiate action against officials for non-compliance.

Question 1

The Supreme Court recently allowed euthanasia of certain stray dogs under statutory protocols. Which of the following categories of dogs were specifically mentioned by the Court?

A. All stray dogs found in public places
B. Only unvaccinated dogs
C. Dogs abandoned by owners
D. Rabid, incurably ill and demonstrably dangerous/aggressive dogs

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Supreme Court clarified that euthanasia cannot be carried out arbitrarily against all stray dogs. It permitted such action only in cases involving rabid, incurably ill or demonstrably dangerous/aggressive dogs, and that too strictly according to statutory protocols under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Animal Birth Control Rules.

Question 2

Which legislation and rules were specifically referred to by the Supreme Court while issuing directions regarding euthanasia of dangerous dogs?

A. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Forest Rules
B. Municipal Corporation Act and Public Safety Rules
C. Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Health Rules
D. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Court explicitly stated that all measures, including euthanasia, must be conducted strictly according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. These laws regulate treatment, sterilisation and management of stray animals in India.

Question 3

What direction did the Supreme Court issue regarding Animal Birth Control (ABC) infrastructure?

A. At least one fully functional ABC centre must be established in every district
B. ABC centres should only be created in metropolitan cities
C. Private organisations alone should manage ABC programmes
D. Existing ABC centres should be shut down and reorganised

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Court directed all States and Union Territories to establish at least one fully functional Animal Birth Control centre in each district. These centres must include trained personnel, surgical facilities and supporting infrastructure for effective implementation of sterilisation and vaccination programmes.

Question 4

Which authority was directed to formulate a mechanism for handling stray animals on national highways and expressways?

A. Election Commission of India
B. National Medical Commission
C. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
D. National Disaster Management Authority

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Supreme Court directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in coordination with States and Union Territories, to create a comprehensive mechanism for safe handling, relocation and sheltering of stray animals on highways and expressways to reduce accidents and public risk.

Question 5

What mechanism did the Supreme Court prescribe for monitoring compliance with its directions on stray dog management?

A. Appointment of district vigilance committees
B. High Courts to register suo motu writ petitions for monitoring compliance
C. Creation of a Parliamentary Standing Committee
D. Monitoring by local municipal corporations alone

Answer: B

Explanation:

To ensure continuous monitoring, the Supreme Court directed all High Courts to register suo motu writ petitions as continuing mandamus proceedings. High Courts were empowered to monitor implementation and even initiate contempt proceedings against officials responsible for non-compliance.