New Delhi: The Supreme Court direction on Animal Welfare Boards has brought fresh attention to the enforcement of animal protection laws in India. The Supreme Court recently asked all States and Union Territories to submit affidavits explaining whether they have constituted functional State Animal Welfare Boards.
The move aims to strengthen animal welfare governance and ensure proper implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The Court gave the authorities four weeks to respond and warned that failure to file affidavits may result in exemplary costs. The case highlights long-pending issues related to animal welfare regulation and the need for coordinated action by both the Centre and the States.
Background of the Animal Welfare Boards
The case is based on a writ petition seeking the creation of fully functional State Animal Welfare Boards across India.
Read also: Who Decides What Is ‘Fake’? Supreme Court to Decide Future of Government Fact-Checking Powers
The petition argues that many states and union territories have either not formed these boards or they are not functioning effectively. Without such boards, the enforcement of animal welfare laws becomes weak.
Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing in the case, told the court that the lack of action by both the Central and State governments has slowed down the development of proper animal welfare systems.
Supreme Court Key Directions on Animal Welfare Boards
During the hearing, the Supreme Court issued several important directions:
- All States and Union Territories must file affidavits within four weeks explaining whether they have formed State Animal Welfare Boards.
- The Chief Secretaries of states and UTs have been asked to ensure compliance with the order.
- The Court warned that failure to submit the affidavits may attract exemplary costs.
The bench observed that despite earlier opportunities given in previous hearings, several states and union territories had still not filed their responses.
Concern Over Delays By States And Centre
During the hearing, the court was informed that many states and some union territories had not provided clarity or response even after earlier court orders in 2020 and 2023.
This delay raised concerns about whether governments are giving sufficient priority to animal welfare governance.
The Supreme Court emphasized that proper institutional mechanisms are necessary to monitor cruelty to animals and enforce existing laws effectively.
Rules Still Awaiting Notification
Another issue raised in the case is the delay in notifying the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (State Animal Welfare Board) Rules, 2018.
These rules are designed to provide the legal framework for establishing and regulating State Animal Welfare Boards, but they have reportedly remained pending with the Central Government for several years.
The petitioner urged the court to ensure that these rules are notified soon so that the boards can operate with clear authority and structure.
What is the Importance Of State Animal Welfare Boards
State Animal Welfare Boards are meant to act as the primary institutions for implementing animal protection policies at the state level.
Their key responsibilities typically include:
- Monitoring cruelty against animals
- Implementing animal welfare laws and policies
- Advising state governments on animal protection measures
- Supporting rescue, rehabilitation and awareness programs
These boards also coordinate with the Animal Welfare Board of India to ensure uniform implementation of national animal protection standards.
Why This Case Matters
Animal welfare activists say the absence of properly functioning boards leads to:
- Weak enforcement of anti-cruelty laws
- Lack of coordination in handling stray animal issues
- Poor monitoring of animal shelters and breeding centers
- Delays in policy implementation
Experts believe that creating and strengthening these boards could significantly improve animal welfare governance in India.
