The Supreme Court’s order to remove stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR has sparked intense debate. The reason behind this is a conflict between public safety concerns and calls for compassion. Prominent Bollywood figures exemplify these opposing viewpoints, each bringing a distinct perspective to the dilemma.
Manoj Bajpayee Calls for Empathy
Known for his humble presence, Manoj Bajpayee took to Instagram to remind us of the humanity in this debate. He wrote:
“These animals didn’t choose the streets and deserve compassion. People deserve to feel safe, too… Fear should not decide their fate.”
Bajpayee’s words clearly echo a need for balance, acknowledging both the vulnerabilities of stray dogs and the concerns of communities living alongside them.
Ram Gopal Varma Says Safety First
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, in contrast, has taken a different stance, one that supports the court’s directive. He made a few assertive statements on X:
“From a human being’s perspective, humans come first… why is their love so selectively discriminating?”
He also criticized what he sees as performative compassion:
“All you dog lovers are shouting hoarse… where were they when a four-year-old child was brutally killed in broad daylight on the streets… Or is compassion reserved only for those with wagging tails while dead children don’t count?”
He also added,
“If the dog lovers are blaming the government… they should go and bite the officers and politicians on their legs… Meanwhile, they should think of the poor kids…”
Nation at the Crossroads of Compassion and Security
This debate is more than celebrity commentary. It reflects the need to protect the voiceless, as well as safeguard human lives. With rising incidents of dog bites and rabies-related deaths, public fear is real. At the same time, we should not ignore the well-being of the dogs caught in systemic failures.
