Responding to the Supreme Court’s concern over stray dogs roaming on roads, Divya Spandana posted a provocative remark on Instagram. Drawing a parallel with human behaviour, she wrote:
“Can’t read a man’s mind too, don’t know when he will rape, so all men should be put in jail (sic)?”
Her comment quickly went viral, triggering intense discussion on social media about animal control, public safety, and the tone of judicial observations.
Divya’s post came after the Supreme Court of India highlighted the risks posed by stray dogs and other animals freely roaming public roads.
During a recent hearing, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria observed that despite earlier directions, many states and civic bodies had failed to properly sterilise, vaccinate, or manage stray animals.
“The roads should be clear of dogs and stray animals. No one knows which dog is in what mood in the morning,” the bench remarked.
Justice Mehta also referred to recent incidents in Rajasthan where judges were injured in accidents involving stray animals, calling the issue a serious threat to public safety. The court warned that states failing to comply with its directions could face strict action.
During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal suggested adopting a scientific CSVR model — capture, sterilisation, vaccination and release — as a humane and effective way to control stray dog populations.
In an earlier order last November, the Supreme Court had also directed authorities to remove stray dogs from sensitive public spaces such as schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and sports complexes, and relocate them to designated shelters.
Divya Spandana’s remarks have reopened a larger conversation around balancing animal welfare with public safety, and whether judicial language should be more measured when addressing such sensitive issues. As reactions continue to pour in, the episode highlights how court observations, policy gaps, and social media discourse often collide in contemporary India.
