NHAI seeks modification of SC order directing it remove strays from highways
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has requested the Supreme Court to modify an order directing it to remove stray animals from highways and provide them shelter, arguing that this responsibility lies with local authorities and would incur a cost of ₹7,000 crore. The original November 2025 order aimed to prevent accidents caused by strays and mandated their relocation, sterilization, and vaccination.
Why it matters
This legal dispute highlights a significant public safety issue regarding stray animals on highways and raises questions about jurisdictional responsibilities and the financial burden of animal welfare and public infrastructure management in India.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday (September 21, 2026) told the Chief Justice of India that it cannot herd stray cattle and animals off public thoroughfares and find them shelter homes.
In an oral mentioning before the Chief Justice Surya Kant, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for NHAI, said the responsibility to discipline animals and cattle loitering on highways and roads, posing a danger to drivers, lay on the respective local authorities. The NHAI said compliance would entail expenditure of around ₹7,000 crore.
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