The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Chief Secretaries of all States, except West Bengal, Delhi, and Telangana, to personally appear before it for failing to file compliance affidavits in the ongoing suo motu matter concerning the issue of stray dogs.

A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria expressed strong displeasure over the continued non-compliance and observed that the officers could not claim ignorance of the proceedings. The Court noted that the matter has been widely reported and that the officials should have been aware of the directions issued.

The Bench further made it clear that if the officers do not appear on the next date of hearing, costs will be imposed and coercive measures may be taken. The Chief Secretaries have been directed to remain present before the Court on November 3, when the matter will be taken up next.