New Delhi: Three days after taking charge as the new Chief Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, senior IAS officer Manoj Kumar Das flew to Delhi on Monday. Das was among the Chief Secretaries of several states who appeared before the Supreme Court and tendered an unconditional apology for failing to file responses on measures taken to curb the menace of stray dog bites.

Earlier, on October 27, the apex court had expressed strong displeasure over the failure of most state governments to comply with its August 22 order, which directed them to submit affidavits detailing steps taken to enforce the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules — including sterilisation, vaccination, and establishment of animal shelters.

Gujarat was among the states that did not adhere to the earlier directive of the Supreme Court, while only West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had filed their affidavits before the deadline. Later, on October 31, the court also rejected Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s request to allow Chief Secretaries to appear virtually, insisting instead on their physical presence before the bench.

The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, which is hearing the matter taken up suo motu, stated that the court would soon issue guidelines regarding the feeding of dogs within government premises.

“We will issue an order in a few days regarding government institutions where employees are supporting and encouraging dogs in those areas,” Justice Vikram Nath observed during the hearing.

The special bench further noted that victims of dog bites must also be heard and allowed to participate in the proceedings.

The matter will be heard next on November 7, when the Supreme Court is expected to issue its detailed order on the issue. DeshGujarat