New Delhi: The debate over whether birds have the fundamental right to fly in the sky has reached the doors of the highest court in the country.
After the Gujarat High Court recently ruled that birds have the right to fly, pet traders and animal lovers have been locked in a bitter debate whether the issue of livelihood is more important than the welfare of animals.
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For now, however, the verdict has given a big boost to animal rights activists.
The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has said that it will examine the issue.
An apex court bench on Friday agreed to examine the court order, which ruled that caging of birds is violation of their rights.
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According to a report, the supreme court bench headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu issued notice to the Gujarat government on the appeal filed against the HC order.
"It is the fundamental right of birds to live freely in the open sky, and it is the duty of every citizen to see that there is no unnecessary pain or suffering to animal or bird," the HC had said.
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Earlier, the Delhi High Court had also ruled that birds have the fundamental right to "live with dignity" and fly in the sky. It observed that putting them in cages for the purpose of pet trade is a "violation of their rights".
