Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath discussed the unexpected origin of his international renown, tracing it to a Delhi case involving stray dogs. During the “Regional Conference on Human-Wildlife Conflict” held in Thiruvananthapuram, he remarked on how this case has brought him global recognition. He specifically mentioned that he is thankful to stray dogs for making him known internationally, emphasizing his involvement in the three-member bench that handled the case. Justice Nath highlighted that this case broadened his recognition beyond the legal field, gaining him wider recognition from civil society. He shared that he receives messages and good wishes from dog lovers and even from dogs themselves. He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of India, B. R. Gavai, for assigning him this case. He mentioned that he was asked about the case during the ‘Law Asia POLA Summit’ by foreign lawyers’ associations, which made him feel proud. The bench, headed by Justice Nath, stayed an earlier order banning the release of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and ruled they should be returned to their original locations following vaccination and sterilization. The case was assigned to Justice Nath amidst significant public opposition to the earlier order, which was considered inhumane. His bench provided a balanced resolution. Justice Vikram Nath is expected to become the Chief Justice of India in 2027, succeeding Justice Surya Kant.
