Singer and Bigg Boss 14 finalist Rahul Vaidya has backed the Supreme Court's recent decision to relocate all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to designated shelters. The verdict has sparked outrage among animal lovers and celebrities across India.
The apex court's ruling, passed on Monday (August 11), directed that stray dogs be moved to shelters as part of a suo motu case launched on July 28 in response to a surge in dog-bite incidents.
Rahul supports SC verdict
Rahul Vaidya emerged as the first celebrity to openly support the judgment. Taking to his Instagram stories on Thursday (August 14), the singer wrote, "I support the honourable court's judgement! I love dogs but as Gandhi ji said, 'Roving dogs reflect society's neglect, not compassion'."
In another story, he wrote, "Agar itna hi pyaar hai stray dogs se so pls take them home! Don't just put an act by putting long stories on social media and criticising a courts judgement simply adding up to the feud created by the media. Loving animals/compassion has got absolutely nothing to do with this issue."
Addressing those opposing SC's stance, Rahul added in another story, "My last point: If your parents or children get bitten by stray dogs would your opinion be the same??!!"
Rahul reveals he was bitten by a celeb's dog in 2021
The singer also recalled a personal incident from 2021, revealing that he had been bitten by a dog owned by a popular actor. "I was bitten by a stray dog in 2021. Ek actor ka kutta hai ye… it was a stray dog jo usne pala tha. And when I spoke to kids in that building they said this dog often bites. And the irony is ye actor Crime Patrol host karta hai," Rahul wrote, sharing a photo of his injury.
Although he did not name the actor, many netizens speculated it was actor Anup Soni.
Later, Rahul clarified, "Sorry my bad this actor doesn't host Crime Patrol he hosts a similar crime based show. The point is not the actor here, it's about people going against the honourable courts judgement. The judges are not jokers they are sitting in the chair for a reason. Don't just get emotional about it and forget that this is a serious issue which needs a clean up."
Following Monday's verdict, several animal rights activists staged protests in Delhi. The demonstrations led to multiple detentions by Delhi Police.
On Wednesday, August 13, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai assured urgent review of a plea challenging the removal order, after questions were raised over its legality and alignment with earlier rulings.
The SC directive also instructs authorities to expand existing shelters to accommodate the animals. While many critics argue the move could lead to mass culling under the pretext of relocation, supporters see it as an important step for public safety.
