Delhi High Court Awards Rs. 2.5 Lakh to Mother After Stray Dog Attack in Tilak Nagar
The Delhi High Court has granted a compensation of Rs. 2.5 lakh to a mother whose five-month-old baby was tragically bitten to death by a stray dog in 2008. The incident took place in Tilak Nagar, New Delhi.
Incident Details
On August 16, 2007, a stray dog entered the family’s home early in the morning and attacked the infant while the children were sleeping. The elder daughter woke up and alerted her parents, but by the time they arrived, the baby had been severely injured. Despite being rushed to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, the baby succumbed to the injuries.
Legal Proceedings
The mother filed a petition seeking Rs. 50 lakh in compensation, citing negligence by the Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The court acknowledged the serious issue of stray dog menace in Delhi and emphasized the need for a compassionate and balanced approach to manage the situation.
Court’s Decision
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav directed the Delhi Government to pay the compensation within three months. The court also allowed the mother to pursue further legal remedies in a Civil Court, stating that the ex-gratia amount is independent of any additional compensation that may be awarded.
Responsibilities and Recommendations
The court highlighted the responsibilities of the MCD under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act and the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001. The MCD is required to establish dog pounds, kennels, and shelters, and provide dog vans for the capture and transportation of stray dogs. Advocate R.K. Saini, appointed as amicus curiae, submitted a report recommending solutions adopted by other cities in India to manage the stray dog population.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big building where judges work. They make important decisions about laws and help solve big problems in Delhi.
Rs. 2.5 lakh -: Rs. 2.5 lakh means 2,50,000 rupees. It’s a lot of money, like when you save up for a long time.
Stray Dog -: A stray dog is a dog that doesn’t have a home or an owner. It lives on the streets and finds food on its own.
Tilak Nagar -: Tilak Nagar is a place in New Delhi, which is the capital city of India. It’s like a big neighborhood where many people live.
Compensation -: Compensation is money given to someone to help them after something bad happens. It’s like saying sorry with money.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi -: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is a group of people who take care of the city. They make sure the streets are clean, and they manage things like stray dogs.