New Delhi. The Supreme Court has agreed to constitute a special bench to hear a petition filed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) challenging directions to establish shelters for stray cattle across the country. The matter is linked to the presence of stray cattle on national highways and road-safety responsibilities.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the matter before a bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana. He argued that an earlier special bench had directed the NHAI to establish shelters for stray cattle across the country, while the NHAI maintains that the responsibility should lie with local bodies and district administrations.

The NHAI also told the court that establishing such shelters nationwide would impose a significant financial and administrative burden. According to reports, the authority has estimated the cost at around ₹7,000 crore and argued that the responsibility should be coordinated with local-level administration.

The background of the case includes the Supreme Court's directions issued in May 2026. The court had directed the removal of stray cattle from national and state highways and expressways, increased monitoring of vulnerable stretches where such animals are frequently found, and provision of suitable shelter, food, water and veterinary care for captured animals.

The court had also directed the concerned authorities to jointly identify highway stretches where stray-cattle problems repeatedly occur and take immediate action there. It had emphasized continuous monitoring through highway patrol teams and road-safety units.

The special bench will now hear the legal position concerning the NHAI's objection and the earlier directions. The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether the NHAI will be relieved of the responsibility of establishing shelters.