The Supreme Court's three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant on Monday assured the constitution of a special bench to hear the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) plea against a direction to construct shelters for stray cattle across the country.
The Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, senior law officer appearing for the NHAI, mentioned the application before a bench also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana -- besides presiding by the CJI -- who agreed to constitute a special bench.
Mehta said a special bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath had earlier in ons of its order directed NHAI to establish shelter homes for stray cattle across the country, entailing an expenditure of approximately Rs 7,000 crore.
Contending that the responsibility lies elsewhere, Mehta said, "Our case is that it should be done by the local district-level administration. We cannot do it pan India."
He sought reconstitution of the special bench comprising Justices Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria.
"There is a matter concerning stray dogs. I am moving an application on behalf of NHAI," he submitted, pointing out that the special bench could not be constituted unless specifically directed by the CJI.
Hearing these submissions, the CJI agreed and said, "We will constitute," as the court was hearing matters concerning stray dogs and cattle and the role of various authorities in their management.
