Stories
NHAI Seeks SC Clarity on Stray Animal Responsibility on Highways
- •NHAI approached the Supreme Court for clarification on its May 19 judgment regarding stray animals on national highways and expressways.
- •The authority seeks to clarify that primary responsibility for removing and sheltering stray animals rests with State authorities, local bodies, and designated Highway Administrations, not solely NHAI.
- •NHAI's statutory mandate focuses on highway development, maintenance, and management, citing Section 37 of the 2002 Act for animal obstruction removal.
- •District Magistrates were notified as Highway Administrations in October 2025, making them primary field authorities.
- •NHAI is willing to coordinate but argues that independently establishing shelters, gaushalas, or transport fleets nationwide is beyond its statutory and budgetary mandate due to the vast highway network.
Key Questions Answered
The National Highways Authority of India approached the Supreme Court to seek clarification on its May 19 judgment, arguing that the primary statutory responsibility for removing and sheltering stray animals lies with State authorities, local bodies, and designated Highway Administrations rather than the NHAI independently.
The NHAI cited its statutory mandate under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988, and the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, which focus on highway development and management. It specifically pointed to Section 37 of the 2002 Act, which provides for the removal and detention of animals causing highway obstructions.
District Magistrates were notified as Highway Administrations for relevant stretches in October 2025, making them the primary field authorities under the statutory framework to handle such issues.
