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ECI orders transfer of election-related officers in Goa, UP, 3 other states ahead of 2027 assembly polls The order covers EROs, ADMs, SDMs, tehsildars, block development officers, and divisional and municipal commissioners. Updated on: Oct 27, 2026, 18:20:24 IST By Himanshi Dahiya Prefer HTPrefer HT Prefer HT on Google Share The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday directed Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to transfer officers associated with election work who are posted in their home districts or have served in the same district for three years or more, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The ECI stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. (HT_PRINT) The ECI stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. (HT_PRINT) In a letter to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of the five states, the Commission stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. The cut-off date for calculating the three-year tenure has been set as March 31, 2027, for Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand, and May 31, 2027, for Uttar Pradesh. The Commission clarified that promotions to posts within the same district would be counted while calculating the three-year period. However, services rendered at the state headquarters during the past four years would not be included in the calculation, even if the headquarters falls within the same revenue district. The state governments have also been instructed to ensure that transferred officers are not posted to their home districts. District election officers (DEOs), returning officers (ROs), assistant returning officers (AROs) and other designated officials cannot be posted back to the constituency or district where they served during the previous Assembly election or any by-election held since then. The directive covers a wide range of administrative and election-related officials, including electoral registration officers (EROs), additional district magistrates (ADMs), sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), tehsildars, block development officers, divisional commissioners and municipal commissioners. In the police department, the order applies to officers from the rank of sub-inspector up to range inspector generals and police commissioners. Excise and transport department officials holding the rank of sub-inspector or above are also covered. The Commission has made a separate provision for personnel involved in the ongoing Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls. Their transfer will take place only after the final publication of the electoral rolls and in consultation with the chief electoral officer. Chief secretaries and directors general of police (DGPs) of the five states have been directed to submit compliance reports to the Commission by November 30. Officers associated with election work will be required to submit a declaration within two days of the last date for filing nominations. The declaration must state that they are not close relatives of any contesting candidate and have no criminal cases pending against them. The terms of the five state Assemblies are due to end between March 13, 2027, in Manipur and May 22, 2027, in Uttar Pradesh. The Election Commission has yet to announce the final schedule for the Assembly elections.

New rules on animal testing must take India forward, not backwards: Maneka Gandhi Officials maintain the changes seek to simplify approvals for research institutions, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Updated on: Oct 26, 2026, 14:54:47 IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok Prefer HTPrefer HT Prefer HT on Google Share The Centre’s draft rules governing animal experimentation have triggered concerns among animal rights groups, which say the changes could weaken independent oversight and make it easier for laboratories to conduct experiments on animals. However, officials maintain the changes seek to simplify approvals for research institutions, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi. Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi. HT speaks to animal rights activist and former Union minister Maneka Gandhi, a long-time campaigner against animal experimentation. Edited excerpts: A major change to animal experimentation, proposed in the draft, is that mild and moderate experiments could be approved by an institution’s own ethics committee rather than going to the central regulator. In practical terms, what does this change mean for an animal inside a laboratory? Does it make it easier for more animals to be experimented on? It means the animal loses the one independent pair of eyes that was looking at its fate. Today, experiments on animals larger than a rat go to the central regulator, and there is at least someone outside the building asking whether this experiment is necessary at all. Under the draft, the people who want to do the experiment, their colleagues and their department heads will be the ones approving it. And it is the institution itself, through its own veterinarian, that decides whether the experiment is mild or moderate in the first place. No institution has ever turned down its own funding. So yes, it will make it easier, and it will make it faster, and that means more animals. Mild and moderate are also the bulk of experiments, so we are effectively handing over most of animal experimentation in India to self regulation. The draft classifies experiments as mild, moderate, severe and non-recovery. Is there a concern that the institution conducting the research will effectively decide how severe the experiment is. Does this leave a grey area? It isn’t grey, it is completely black. Under this draft, the institution that wants to do the experiment is also the one that decides which category it falls into. That decision matters enormously, because if the experiment is classified as mild or moderate, the institution’s own committee approves it and it never goes to the central regulator. Only severe and non-recovery experiments on larger animals go outside. So the same people who want the experiment approved are deciding whether anyone independent will ever examine it. That is a clear conflict of interest, and it will push experiments towards the lower categories. Starving a rat for a day is called mild. Keeping a social animal alone in a cage is mild. Starving it for two days, or putting it through distress it cannot escape, is moderate. So is testing herbal products, testing established drugs, and anything described as having “known and reversible effects,” which could mean almost anything. This is not a scientific list. It is the most common commercial work. The draft also creates exceptions and allows laboratories to use animals from open markets, unregistered sources, and in certain circumstances, stray, feral, wild and protected animals. What is the biggest risk that this may create for animals in practice? Could community dogs, lost pets or animals taken from the wild find their way into laboratories? The biggest risk is that nobody will know where an animal came from. The whole point of registered breeders was traceability. Once you allow open markets and unregistered sources for cattle, goats, birds and fish, you create a demand, and in this country demand is met very quickly by people who will pick up anything. Strays and wild animals can be used if a “competent authority” permits it, and the draft never says who that is. Community dogs, someone’s lost pet, birds from illegal markets, all of it can find its way into a laboratory. These exceptions should be removed completely. If a lab cannot get an animal from a registered source, it should not be doing that experiment. The draft formally incorporates the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement, but critics say these safeguards become weaker if institutions themselves are approving experiments. Do you believe India should now be moving towards replacing animal experiments altogether, particularly when the health ministry has already allowed certain drug testing through non-animal methods? What should the rules do differently? Yes, and we are not starting from zero. The health ministry has already amended the drug rules to accept non-animal methods. The world is moving this way because these methods are often more predictive for humans than a mouse ever was. Writing replacement, reduction and refinement into the rules means nothing if the person checking compliance is the institution itself. The rules should make it mandatory to show that no validated alternative exists before an animal is used, set up a national body to validate and promote alternatives, put money into them, and set timelines to phase out animal use in areas where alternatives are already available. A rule that only mentions replacement as a principle is decoration. You have worked on animal experimentation regulation for decades. What specific changes would you want the government to make to this draft? I don’t think this draft can be fixed. There is hardly a provision in it that doesn’t need changing, and when everything needs to change, it is better to start again. So the draft should be put aside and written afresh, this time with independent scientists, animal welfare organisations and legal experts at the table. The new rules must take India forward, not backwards. Animals already have certain protections under the law which cannot be taken away. New should be building on them.

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Shah Rukh Khan Denies Involvement in Indian Navy Veterans’ Release from Qatar

Bollywood superstar refutes claims of influence in diplomatic affair, calls attention to government's efforts.

February 13, 2024

Reading Time: 2 mins read

Shah Rukh Khan was recently in Qatar. (Photo by SUJIT JAISWAL,AFP)(AFP)

Shah Rukh Khan was recently in Qatar. (Photo by SUJIT JAISWAL,AFP)(AFP)

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has vehemently denied any involvement in the recent release of Indian Navy veterans from Qatar, following speculation regarding his purported role in the diplomatic affair. The actor, known for his philanthropic endeavours and global influence, clarified his stance, emphasizing that it was the result of governmental efforts rather than any personal intervention.

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ECI orders transfer of election-related officers in Goa, UP, 3 other states ahead of 2027 assembly polls The order covers EROs, ADMs, SDMs, tehsildars, block development officers, and divisional and municipal commissioners. Updated on: Oct 27, 2026, 18:20:24 IST By Himanshi Dahiya Prefer HTPrefer HT Prefer HT on Google Share The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday directed Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to transfer officers associated with election work who are posted in their home districts or have served in the same district for three years or more, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The ECI stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. (HT_PRINT) The ECI stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. (HT_PRINT) In a letter to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of the five states, the Commission stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. The cut-off date for calculating the three-year tenure has been set as March 31, 2027, for Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand, and May 31, 2027, for Uttar Pradesh. The Commission clarified that promotions to posts within the same district would be counted while calculating the three-year period. However, services rendered at the state headquarters during the past four years would not be included in the calculation, even if the headquarters falls within the same revenue district. The state governments have also been instructed to ensure that transferred officers are not posted to their home districts. District election officers (DEOs), returning officers (ROs), assistant returning officers (AROs) and other designated officials cannot be posted back to the constituency or district where they served during the previous Assembly election or any by-election held since then. The directive covers a wide range of administrative and election-related officials, including electoral registration officers (EROs), additional district magistrates (ADMs), sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), tehsildars, block development officers, divisional commissioners and municipal commissioners. In the police department, the order applies to officers from the rank of sub-inspector up to range inspector generals and police commissioners. Excise and transport department officials holding the rank of sub-inspector or above are also covered. The Commission has made a separate provision for personnel involved in the ongoing Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls. Their transfer will take place only after the final publication of the electoral rolls and in consultation with the chief electoral officer. Chief secretaries and directors general of police (DGPs) of the five states have been directed to submit compliance reports to the Commission by November 30. Officers associated with election work will be required to submit a declaration within two days of the last date for filing nominations. The declaration must state that they are not close relatives of any contesting candidate and have no criminal cases pending against them. The terms of the five state Assemblies are due to end between March 13, 2027, in Manipur and May 22, 2027, in Uttar Pradesh. The Election Commission has yet to announce the final schedule for the Assembly elections.

Reports emerged suggesting that Khan played a pivotal role in securing the release of Indian Navy veterans who were detained in Qatar. However, the actor swiftly addressed these claims, stating that while he was deeply concerned about the welfare of Indian citizens abroad, he had no direct involvement in the diplomatic negotiations.

In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Shah Rukh Khan reiterated his respect for the Indian Navy and expressed his solidarity with the veterans. He emphasized that it was the concerted efforts of the Indian government, diplomatic channels, and officials that led to the successful resolution of the situation.

“I hold the utmost respect for our Indian Navy and their service to our nation. While I deeply empathize with the situation faced by our veterans in Qatar, I must clarify that I had no role in their release,” Khan stated.

The actor’s clarification comes amidst widespread speculation and admiration for his alleged involvement in resolving the diplomatic issue. Fans and admirers had praised Khan for his purported efforts, attributing the release to his influential stature in both the entertainment industry and international circles.

However, Khan’s statement serves to redirect attention towards the collective efforts of the Indian government and its diplomatic machinery. It underscores the importance of official channels in resolving such matters and acknowledges the role of diplomatic negotiations in safeguarding the interests of Indian citizens abroad.

As the news of the veterans’ release continues to make headlines, Shah Rukh Khan’s clarification serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international diplomacy and the significance of governmental initiatives in ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens overseas.

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The incident highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and diplomatic affairs, showcasing the need for scrutiny of claims and the importance of acknowledging the efforts of official channels in resolving such sensitive matters.

Tags: bollywood Diplomacy Government*indian navy Qatar Shah Rukh Khan

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A passionate news person, trying to reflect her views on the recent happenings around the globe, bringing you a nuanced perspective and keeping the ethics of journalism alive in the process. My journey started in an international newsroom, where I have covered major events and been to the roots of them. The South-Asian region has also caught my interest, where I have covered more of the features and cultural side of the South-Asian countries. As a journalist dedicated to ethical reporting and with a personal interest in exposing hidden narratives, I aim to offer complex perspectives that enhance comprehension of the modern, globalized world.

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ECI orders transfer of election-related officers in Goa, UP, 3 other states ahead of 2027 assembly polls The order covers EROs, ADMs, SDMs, tehsildars, block development officers, and divisional and municipal commissioners. Updated on: Oct 27, 2026, 18:20:24 IST By Himanshi Dahiya Prefer HTPrefer HT Prefer HT on Google Share The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday directed Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to transfer officers associated with election work who are posted in their home districts or have served in the same district for three years or more, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The ECI stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. (HT_PRINT) The ECI stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. (HT_PRINT) In a letter to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of the five states, the Commission stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. The cut-off date for calculating the three-year tenure has been set as March 31, 2027, for Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand, and May 31, 2027, for Uttar Pradesh. The Commission clarified that promotions to posts within the same district would be counted while calculating the three-year period. However, services rendered at the state headquarters during the past four years would not be included in the calculation, even if the headquarters falls within the same revenue district. The state governments have also been instructed to ensure that transferred officers are not posted to their home districts. District election officers (DEOs), returning officers (ROs), assistant returning officers (AROs) and other designated officials cannot be posted back to the constituency or district where they served during the previous Assembly election or any by-election held since then. The directive covers a wide range of administrative and election-related officials, including electoral registration officers (EROs), additional district magistrates (ADMs), sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), tehsildars, block development officers, divisional commissioners and municipal commissioners. In the police department, the order applies to officers from the rank of sub-inspector up to range inspector generals and police commissioners. Excise and transport department officials holding the rank of sub-inspector or above are also covered. The Commission has made a separate provision for personnel involved in the ongoing Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls. Their transfer will take place only after the final publication of the electoral rolls and in consultation with the chief electoral officer. Chief secretaries and directors general of police (DGPs) of the five states have been directed to submit compliance reports to the Commission by November 30. Officers associated with election work will be required to submit a declaration within two days of the last date for filing nominations. The declaration must state that they are not close relatives of any contesting candidate and have no criminal cases pending against them. The terms of the five state Assemblies are due to end between March 13, 2027, in Manipur and May 22, 2027, in Uttar Pradesh. The Election Commission has yet to announce the final schedule for the Assembly elections.

ECI orders transfer of election-related officers in Goa, UP, 3 other states ahead of 2027 assembly polls The order covers EROs, ADMs, SDMs, tehsildars, block development officers, and divisional and municipal commissioners. Updated on: Oct 27, 2026, 18:20:24 IST By Himanshi Dahiya Prefer HTPrefer HT Prefer HT on Google Share The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday directed Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to transfer officers associated with election work who are posted in their home districts or have served in the same district for three years or more, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The ECI stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. (HT_PRINT) The ECI stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. (HT_PRINT) In a letter to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of the five states, the Commission stated that no officer covered by the directive would be allowed to continue in their present district if they meet the transfer criteria. The cut-off date for calculating the three-year tenure has been set as March 31, 2027, for Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand, and May 31, 2027, for Uttar Pradesh. The Commission clarified that promotions to posts within the same district would be counted while calculating the three-year period. However, services rendered at the state headquarters during the past four years would not be included in the calculation, even if the headquarters falls within the same revenue district. The state governments have also been instructed to ensure that transferred officers are not posted to their home districts. District election officers (DEOs), returning officers (ROs), assistant returning officers (AROs) and other designated officials cannot be posted back to the constituency or district where they served during the previous Assembly election or any by-election held since then. The directive covers a wide range of administrative and election-related officials, including electoral registration officers (EROs), additional district magistrates (ADMs), sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), tehsildars, block development officers, divisional commissioners and municipal commissioners. In the police department, the order applies to officers from the rank of sub-inspector up to range inspector generals and police commissioners. Excise and transport department officials holding the rank of sub-inspector or above are also covered. The Commission has made a separate provision for personnel involved in the ongoing Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls. Their transfer will take place only after the final publication of the electoral rolls and in consultation with the chief electoral officer. Chief secretaries and directors general of police (DGPs) of the five states have been directed to submit compliance reports to the Commission by November 30. Officers associated with election work will be required to submit a declaration within two days of the last date for filing nominations. The declaration must state that they are not close relatives of any contesting candidate and have no criminal cases pending against them. The terms of the five state Assemblies are due to end between March 13, 2027, in Manipur and May 22, 2027, in Uttar Pradesh. The Election Commission has yet to announce the final schedule for the Assembly elections.

October 27, 2026

New rules on animal testing must take India forward, not backwards: Maneka Gandhi Officials maintain the changes seek to simplify approvals for research institutions, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Updated on: Oct 26, 2026, 14:54:47 IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok Prefer HTPrefer HT Prefer HT on Google Share The Centre’s draft rules governing animal experimentation have triggered concerns among animal rights groups, which say the changes could weaken independent oversight and make it easier for laboratories to conduct experiments on animals. However, officials maintain the changes seek to simplify approvals for research institutions, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi. Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi. HT speaks to animal rights activist and former Union minister Maneka Gandhi, a long-time campaigner against animal experimentation. Edited excerpts: A major change to animal experimentation, proposed in the draft, is that mild and moderate experiments could be approved by an institution’s own ethics committee rather than going to the central regulator. In practical terms, what does this change mean for an animal inside a laboratory? Does it make it easier for more animals to be experimented on? It means the animal loses the one independent pair of eyes that was looking at its fate. Today, experiments on animals larger than a rat go to the central regulator, and there is at least someone outside the building asking whether this experiment is necessary at all. Under the draft, the people who want to do the experiment, their colleagues and their department heads will be the ones approving it. And it is the institution itself, through its own veterinarian, that decides whether the experiment is mild or moderate in the first place. No institution has ever turned down its own funding. So yes, it will make it easier, and it will make it faster, and that means more animals. Mild and moderate are also the bulk of experiments, so we are effectively handing over most of animal experimentation in India to self regulation. The draft classifies experiments as mild, moderate, severe and non-recovery. Is there a concern that the institution conducting the research will effectively decide how severe the experiment is. Does this leave a grey area? It isn’t grey, it is completely black. Under this draft, the institution that wants to do the experiment is also the one that decides which category it falls into. That decision matters enormously, because if the experiment is classified as mild or moderate, the institution’s own committee approves it and it never goes to the central regulator. Only severe and non-recovery experiments on larger animals go outside. So the same people who want the experiment approved are deciding whether anyone independent will ever examine it. That is a clear conflict of interest, and it will push experiments towards the lower categories. Starving a rat for a day is called mild. Keeping a social animal alone in a cage is mild. Starving it for two days, or putting it through distress it cannot escape, is moderate. So is testing herbal products, testing established drugs, and anything described as having “known and reversible effects,” which could mean almost anything. This is not a scientific list. It is the most common commercial work. The draft also creates exceptions and allows laboratories to use animals from open markets, unregistered sources, and in certain circumstances, stray, feral, wild and protected animals. What is the biggest risk that this may create for animals in practice? Could community dogs, lost pets or animals taken from the wild find their way into laboratories? The biggest risk is that nobody will know where an animal came from. The whole point of registered breeders was traceability. Once you allow open markets and unregistered sources for cattle, goats, birds and fish, you create a demand, and in this country demand is met very quickly by people who will pick up anything. Strays and wild animals can be used if a “competent authority” permits it, and the draft never says who that is. Community dogs, someone’s lost pet, birds from illegal markets, all of it can find its way into a laboratory. These exceptions should be removed completely. If a lab cannot get an animal from a registered source, it should not be doing that experiment. The draft formally incorporates the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement, but critics say these safeguards become weaker if institutions themselves are approving experiments. Do you believe India should now be moving towards replacing animal experiments altogether, particularly when the health ministry has already allowed certain drug testing through non-animal methods? What should the rules do differently? Yes, and we are not starting from zero. The health ministry has already amended the drug rules to accept non-animal methods. The world is moving this way because these methods are often more predictive for humans than a mouse ever was. Writing replacement, reduction and refinement into the rules means nothing if the person checking compliance is the institution itself. The rules should make it mandatory to show that no validated alternative exists before an animal is used, set up a national body to validate and promote alternatives, put money into them, and set timelines to phase out animal use in areas where alternatives are already available. A rule that only mentions replacement as a principle is decoration. You have worked on animal experimentation regulation for decades. What specific changes would you want the government to make to this draft? I don’t think this draft can be fixed. There is hardly a provision in it that doesn’t need changing, and when everything needs to change, it is better to start again. So the draft should be put aside and written afresh, this time with independent scientists, animal welfare organisations and legal experts at the table. The new rules must take India forward, not backwards. Animals already have certain protections under the law which cannot be taken away. New should be building on them.

New rules on animal testing must take India forward, not backwards: Maneka Gandhi Officials maintain the changes seek to simplify approvals for research institutions, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Updated on: Oct 26, 2026, 14:54:47 IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok Prefer HTPrefer HT Prefer HT on Google Share The Centre’s draft rules governing animal experimentation have triggered concerns among animal rights groups, which say the changes could weaken independent oversight and make it easier for laboratories to conduct experiments on animals. However, officials maintain the changes seek to simplify approvals for research institutions, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi. Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi. HT speaks to animal rights activist and former Union minister Maneka Gandhi, a long-time campaigner against animal experimentation. Edited excerpts: A major change to animal experimentation, proposed in the draft, is that mild and moderate experiments could be approved by an institution’s own ethics committee rather than going to the central regulator. In practical terms, what does this change mean for an animal inside a laboratory? Does it make it easier for more animals to be experimented on? It means the animal loses the one independent pair of eyes that was looking at its fate. Today, experiments on animals larger than a rat go to the central regulator, and there is at least someone outside the building asking whether this experiment is necessary at all. Under the draft, the people who want to do the experiment, their colleagues and their department heads will be the ones approving it. And it is the institution itself, through its own veterinarian, that decides whether the experiment is mild or moderate in the first place. No institution has ever turned down its own funding. So yes, it will make it easier, and it will make it faster, and that means more animals. Mild and moderate are also the bulk of experiments, so we are effectively handing over most of animal experimentation in India to self regulation. The draft classifies experiments as mild, moderate, severe and non-recovery. Is there a concern that the institution conducting the research will effectively decide how severe the experiment is. Does this leave a grey area? It isn’t grey, it is completely black. Under this draft, the institution that wants to do the experiment is also the one that decides which category it falls into. That decision matters enormously, because if the experiment is classified as mild or moderate, the institution’s own committee approves it and it never goes to the central regulator. Only severe and non-recovery experiments on larger animals go outside. So the same people who want the experiment approved are deciding whether anyone independent will ever examine it. That is a clear conflict of interest, and it will push experiments towards the lower categories. Starving a rat for a day is called mild. Keeping a social animal alone in a cage is mild. Starving it for two days, or putting it through distress it cannot escape, is moderate. So is testing herbal products, testing established drugs, and anything described as having “known and reversible effects,” which could mean almost anything. This is not a scientific list. It is the most common commercial work. The draft also creates exceptions and allows laboratories to use animals from open markets, unregistered sources, and in certain circumstances, stray, feral, wild and protected animals. What is the biggest risk that this may create for animals in practice? Could community dogs, lost pets or animals taken from the wild find their way into laboratories? The biggest risk is that nobody will know where an animal came from. The whole point of registered breeders was traceability. Once you allow open markets and unregistered sources for cattle, goats, birds and fish, you create a demand, and in this country demand is met very quickly by people who will pick up anything. Strays and wild animals can be used if a “competent authority” permits it, and the draft never says who that is. Community dogs, someone’s lost pet, birds from illegal markets, all of it can find its way into a laboratory. These exceptions should be removed completely. If a lab cannot get an animal from a registered source, it should not be doing that experiment. The draft formally incorporates the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement, but critics say these safeguards become weaker if institutions themselves are approving experiments. Do you believe India should now be moving towards replacing animal experiments altogether, particularly when the health ministry has already allowed certain drug testing through non-animal methods? What should the rules do differently? Yes, and we are not starting from zero. The health ministry has already amended the drug rules to accept non-animal methods. The world is moving this way because these methods are often more predictive for humans than a mouse ever was. Writing replacement, reduction and refinement into the rules means nothing if the person checking compliance is the institution itself. The rules should make it mandatory to show that no validated alternative exists before an animal is used, set up a national body to validate and promote alternatives, put money into them, and set timelines to phase out animal use in areas where alternatives are already available. A rule that only mentions replacement as a principle is decoration. You have worked on animal experimentation regulation for decades. What specific changes would you want the government to make to this draft? I don’t think this draft can be fixed. There is hardly a provision in it that doesn’t need changing, and when everything needs to change, it is better to start again. So the draft should be put aside and written afresh, this time with independent scientists, animal welfare organisations and legal experts at the table. The new rules must take India forward, not backwards. Animals already have certain protections under the law which cannot be taken away. New should be building on them.

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