KAPIL DEV PUSHES FOR STRICTER ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS

The Delhi High Court has recently sought a response from the T Centre and Delhi Governments on a plea moved by former Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev, his wife Romi Dev, and others over stricter laws against cruelty to animals.

- ASHISH SINHA

The plea challenges some provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act that allow "the destruction of stray dogs in lethal chambers or by such other methods as may be prescribed" and "the extermination or destruction of any animal under the authority of any law." 

The bench comprising Justices Satish Chander Sharma and Sanjeev Narula issued notice to all respondents and listed the matter for further hearing on December 19, 2023. The plea has been moved by former cricketer Kapil Dev, his wife Romi Dev and Social Activist Anjali Gopalan.

The petition stated that the petitioner's grievance to the provision of Section 11(1) is against the very nature of clubbing of offences against animals under Section 11 (1) of the Act wherein offences such as killing an animal, beating an animal, and overloading or tethering it is covered under same umbrella offence of cruelty and with the same degree of punishment.