Delhi HC Champions Justice: Urgent Action for 6-Year-Old Boy Mauled by Pitbull, Demands Police Report
The Delhi High Court took significant action on December 9, 2025, to ensure ongoing medical care for a six-year-old boy critically injured in a pit bull attack in northwest Delhi last month. The court demanded a status report from police regarding the steps taken in response to a First Information Report (FIR) filed against the dog’s owner.
Justice Sachin Datta highlighted the troubling history of the pit bull, noting that prior complaints had been lodged about the same dog, yet no action had been taken. A local resident had filed a complaint about the animal in July, and another child had reportedly been bitten the previous year. The FIR related to the latest incident was registered on November 23.
During the hearing, Tushar Sannu, the legal representative for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), informed the court that the dog, which was not registered, had been seized on the day of the attack. The court pressed the Delhi government for clarification on regulations governing such incidents, asking, “Do the regulations contemplate any action to be taken against the owner of the dog? What are the consequences if something like this happens? You must take measures to prevent this menace.”
The court ordered that the dog remain in custody until adequate precautions are implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future. Additionally, it directed Safdarjung Hospital, where the victim was admitted and later discharged, to continue providing necessary medical treatment for the child and ensure all appropriate care is given.
In relation to the financial burdens associated with the child’s hospitalization and ongoing medical care, the court indicated that the dog’s owner should be responsible for these expenses, stating, “It will be appropriate for the owner of the dog to bear the expenses.” The court also issued a notice to the pet owner to appear before it.
The legal action was initiated by the child’s father, Dinesh Kumar Roy, through advocate Avadh Kaushik. The petition underscored the painful details of the attack on November 23, when the boy, identified as Devansh Kumar, a preschool student, was playing outside his home in the Kirari-Nangloi area. Allegedly, the dog, owned by Rajesh Pal, dragged Devansh across the street, biting off his left ear and causing severe injuries.
Advocate Kaushik, who is representing the family pro bono, pointed out the financial struggles the victim’s family faces. Dinesh Kumar Roy, a daily-wage laborer, lives with his wife and two sons in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood, making it difficult to cover the escalating medical costs associated with his son’s injuries.
This incident underscores broader concerns about dog ownership and public safety in urban areas. The Delhi High Court’s decisions reflect an urgent call for stricter regulations and accountability regarding dangerous animals to protect vulnerable community members.
As the case progresses, many will watch closely to see how authorities respond to prevent such distressing attacks in the future.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-hc-directs-continued-treatment-for-6-year-old-mauled-by-pitbull-seeks-action-taken-report-from-police/article70376949.ece
Category : Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-12-10 03:00:00
