India, Aug. 22 -- The Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier directive on the handling of stray dogs, clarifying that canines picked up under its August 11 order will be released back after sterilisation and immunisation, except those suffering from rabies or displaying aggressive behaviour. While the earlier two-judge bench had barred authorities from releasing captured strays and had warned of contempt proceedings for any laxity, the latest order lifted that prohibition, bringing a significant change in the interim framework.

A bench of justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria further widened the scope of the case beyond Delhi-NCR, directing that the matter be treated as pan-India. Follow Supreme Court stray dogs order ...