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2 September 2026

Supreme Court on animal welfare

The topic involves a specific Supreme Court intervention regarding animal welfare and legal interpretation, which is directly relevant to the functioning of the judiciary and ethical considerations in public policy.

2 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Supreme Court (SC) in Jayakrishna Menon vs. Krishnankutty & Ors (June 9) emphasized that the judiciary cannot remain a mute spectator regarding animal welfare.
  • The court ordered the Keralam government to take custody of an elephant used for temple activities in violation of previous court orders.
  • A contrast exists between the SC's protective stance on elephants and its ruling in Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price (2026), which led to the removal of street dogs from public institutions.
  • Legal frameworks: Indian elephants are protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; street dogs are governed by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
  • Peter Singer's principle of 'equal consideration' argues that beings capable of feeling pleasure or pain deserve moral consideration, regardless of whether they require identical treatment.
  • Current Indian laws exhibit an anthropocentric bias, evaluating animal worth based on human utility or categorization rather than inherent dignity.
  • The Swiss Constitution is cited as a model for protecting 'animal dignity' as an inherent right.
  • There is a noted gap in legislative guidance for ensuring the welfare of animals across different categories.

Questions

  1. The judiciary's approach to animal welfare often reflects a tension between anthropocentric legal frameworks and the moral imperative of animal protection. Discuss the need for a comprehensive legislative foundation to address this inconsistency. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Critically analyze the role of the judiciary in balancing the rights of animals with public safety and human interests. With reference to the principle of 'equal consideration,' discuss how Indian law can move beyond an anthropocentric approach to ensure the welfare and dignity of all sentient beings. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following acts provides the primary legal protection for the Indian elephant as an endangered species?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-02/supreme-court-on-animal-welfare