New Delhi | Aug 31, 2025

Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath, known for his candid and often lighthearted remarks, said on Saturday that the recent stray dog case has unexpectedly brought him global recognition — and even “blessings” from dogs themselves. Speaking at the Regional Conference on Human-Wildlife Conflict in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the judge thanked Chief Justice of India BR Gavai for assigning him the matter, noting that it had made him well-known beyond legal circles.

‘Elated that people outside India know me’

Justice Nath shared a personal anecdote from a recent international legal event where he was asked about the high-profile stray dogs case. “So long I have been known in the legal fraternity for the little work I do, but I am thankful to the stray dogs for making me known to the entire civil society, not only in this country but world over,” he said, as quoted by LiveLaw.

He added that being recognised outside the courtroom was both humbling and surprising: “Recently, we were in the Law Asia POLA Summit. The presidents of the lawyers’ association were here. So they started asking questions about the stray dogs matter. I felt very elated … well, people outside India also know me. So I am thankful to them for giving me this recognition.”

‘Even dogs are giving me blessings’

Justice Nath, striking a lighter tone, remarked that it was not just humans but dogs themselves that seemed to have appreciated the judgment. “I have also been receiving messages saying that apart from dog lovers, dogs are also giving me blessings and good wishes. In addition to human blessings and good wishes, I have their good wishes also,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Background of the stray dogs case

The remarks came against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s controversial hearing on the management of stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region. On August 11, a bench of the court had directed that all stray dogs be relocated to shelters within eight weeks and barred their release back onto the streets. The order sparked widespread debate, with many animal welfare groups opposing the move as impractical and inhumane, while others supported it citing rising instances of dog attacks.

Within days, the order was modified on August 22 by a three-judge bench that included Justice Vikram Nath. The revised direction allowed the dogs to be returned to their original locations after vaccination and sterilisation, balancing public safety concerns with animal rights.

From legal circles to public spotlight

While Justice Nath has long been respected within the judiciary, he acknowledged that this case — unusual in both its subject matter and public response — had catapulted him into wider recognition. “I am thankful to my CJI for allotting me that matter,” he said, crediting the Chief Justice for entrusting him with the case.

The judge’s comments underline how certain cases, though not always the most legally complex, can resonate far beyond the courtroom. In this instance, the fate of stray dogs has not only stirred public debate but also given a sitting Supreme Court judge a somewhat unexpected claim to fame.

At least for now, Justice Nath can count on blessings from both dog lovers and dogs alike.