High Court grants 4 week's time to Delhi Govt to file reply in plea highlighting ‘Abysmal State’ of govt veterinary hospitals

The Delhi High on Tuesday granted more time to the Delhi government to file its counter affidavit in a plea highlighting the lack of infrastructure for treatment and diagnosis, manpower, hygiene, essential equipment, and adequate supply of medicine in 77 government veterinary hospitals and dispensaries in Delhi.

During the hearing, counsel for the Delhi government sought more time to file its counter affidavit in the plea.

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Tushar Rao Gedala granted the Delhi government four weeks-time to file response. Accordingly, the court listed the matter for further hearing on August 17.

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr. Asher Jesudoss and others through Advocate Supriya Juneja raising the issue of a stark shortage of veterinarians, medicines and even basic facilities like electricity and water supply are missing in some cases at the Government Veterinary Hospitals.

The plea alleged, "Operation facilities are non-existent, and even examination tables and veterinary instruments are unavailable in most hospitals. The infrastructure is crumbling and no indoor wards for any species exist in any veterinary hospital in Delhi."

It stated that the Delhi Animal Husbandry Unit (DAHU) has brazenly abdicated its own mandate, prescribed in its Policy to provide veterinary services and strengthen animal welfare and husbandry practices.

The plea argued that this abdication has wide-reaching effects, leading to unnecessary pain and suffering to lakhs of companion animals, farm animals, and street animals, whose owners cannot afford access to the expensive and scanty veterinary care services available in the private sector.

Additionally, it submitted that despite several representations by the petitioners, none of the respondents have taken any action to date to remedy the condition of the Government Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries operating in the State. 

It is to be noted that in November 2022, the division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad noted that the issue is important and issued notice to the Delhi government in the plea.

Case Title: Asher Jesudoss & Ors. Vs. Government of NCT of Delhi