The Delhi High Court has instructed the Centre to finalize the draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) concerning service dogs that assist persons with disabilities in India. A division bench, including Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Aditi Choudhary, emphasized the need to complete this process before the next hearing scheduled for January 2027. This will facilitate easier commutation for individuals requiring service dogs.
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During the court session on October 6, representatives from the central government noted that public objections and feedback from stakeholders on the draft guidelines had been sought, and a final SOP would be issued soon. Suggestions put forth to the court included maintaining a register of service dogs, assigning each dog a registration number, and ensuring that all service dogs wear a unique colored collar for public identification as service animals.
Additionally, it was recommended that service dogs be muzzled in crowded settings such as cinemas, malls, and hospitals to maintain peace and safety. The government counsel assured the court that these suggestions would be communicated to the appropriate authorities for consideration in the final guidelines.