NHAI seeks Supreme Court modification of stray dog removal directive

The NHAI has filed a petition before the Supreme Court requesting a reconsideration of the November 2025 directive that mandates the removal of stray animals from highway corridors across the country. The order had been issued by a bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath while exercising suo motu jurisdiction to address the escalating problem of stray dog attacks endangering commuters and highway safety.

The highways authority has sought to challenge or modify the scope of the court's directive, citing implementation challenges and operational constraints. The petition comes as NHAI grapples with the practical difficulties of executing the wide-ranging order across India's extensive national highway network.

The suo motu proceedings were initiated following multiple reports of incidents involving stray dogs attacking vehicle occupants and causing traffic hazards on national highways. The court's order reflected growing judicial concern about public safety risks posed by loose animals on high-speed corridors.

The modification sought by NHAI is likely to focus on implementation timelines, resource allocation, and coordination with state authorities responsible for animal control. The case highlights the tension between judicial directives aimed at public safety and the operational realities faced by infrastructure agencies in executing such orders across diverse geographic and administrative regions.