India, Jan. 17 -- NEW DELHI

A Delhi court on Friday pulled up the Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre (SGACC) for "grossly misusing authority" despite clear judicial directions to return 10 dogs that are in its custody to their rightful owner, noting that the welfare of animals cannot be allowed to suffer on account of "lame excuses" or "administrative delay".

The sharp observations were made by Additional Sessions Judge Surabhi Sharma Vats of Karkardooma Courts.

The court said, "The continued retention of dogs, despite clear judicial directions, amounts to gross misuse of authority and is wholly impermissible in law".

The judge said that courts were duty-bound to ensure that orders are implemented in letter and spirit, more so where the...