Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court wants answers. Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh ordered the state government to produce data on stray dog management by November 10. The court specifically requested details on the committee formed under Rule 4 of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001.
Additional Advocate General T. Yangi B. submitted status reports on July 29 and again in August. The court found these documents lacking. The bench now demands clarity on whether that committee actually functions. Judges also want concrete figures on shelter homes and current adoption rates.
This order came during a hearing for a 2026 civil writ petition and a 2024 PIL. The cases involve compliance with Supreme Court directives from a 2025 suo motu petition and the matter of Kaustav Paul versus State of Meghalaya and others. The court stated, "The affidavit must also provide other data and statistics, including details regarding the establishment of shelter homes for stray dogs and the number of stray dogs adopted."
L. Khyriem serves as amicus curiae. Legal representatives for the respondents include T. Yangi B., A.H. Kharwanlang, N. Mozika, K. Gurung, and P. Bhattacharjee. The state must provide advance copies to the amicus curiae and the petitioner before the next appearance.
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