New Delhi: The Delhi High Court ordered the authorities on October 24 to shift all the monkeys from the national capital to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary as soon as possible. The order came when the bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) by NGO Dhanjay Sanjogta Foundation, regarding the menace of stray dogs and monkeys.
The bench comprised of Chief Justice of Delhi High court, Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. The plea stated that the cases of attacks of stray dogs and monkeys on differently-abled people are rampant.
The court also called for a meeting on November 4 to be attended by heads of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Cantonment Board and forest department. The court asked them to come up with measures to solve the problem. The Delhi court also ordered the secretary of Animal Welfare Board of Delhi, the animal husbandry department of the Delhi government and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to attend the meeting. It also asked the lawyer of petitioner, Rahul Bajaj and Amar Jain and activist Gauri Maulekhi.
‘Entire city is taken over by monkeys and dogs’
During the hearing the bench observed, “The society consists of different groups which also include people suffering from various disabilities. The problem faced by them is genuine and therefore it is an important issue. The entire city has been taken over by monkeys and dogs, this condition is not found anywhere else in the world. These people need to respected and should not face this.”
Shift all the monkeys to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
“We do not wish to disrespect the animals but it doesn’t mean we start neglecting human beings. A solution needs to be found out. People should be able to walk freely on the streets which also includes persons with disabilities,” the bench added. The bench stated, “All parties unanimously conclude that the MCD, NDMC, Cantonment Board and forest department should shift all the monkeys of the city to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary on priority basis.” The next hearing of the matter will be on November 18.
