New Delhi, August 14, 2025 —
In a stirring act of conscience, Republic TV journalist Priyanka Dutt resigned from her position on August 13, dramatically cutting up her ID card on camera. The video of her action quickly went viral on social media.
Dutt explained that her resignation came after what she described as a “conflict between the channel’s public statements and its on-air approach.” According to her, while some colleagues often spoke about generous donations to animal welfare causes, she felt that such gestures were not always reflected in consistent coverage or empathetic reporting.
Her decision came against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s directive of August 11, which instructed authorities in Delhi–NCR to relocate stray dogs to shelter homes, citing public safety and repeated dog-bite incidents.
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In her video statement, Dutt recalled, “A senior member once told me, ‘I ohdonated ₹20 lakh to an animal shelter… such nice work they do.’ But on-air, I felt the treatment of the issue did not match that spirit.”
The Supreme Court’s order itself has triggered widespread debate. While the Court emphasized protection for children, the elderly, and the visually impaired, several political leaders and animal welfare advocates have expressed concern. Figures such as Rahul Gandhi, Maneka Gandhi, and Siddaramaiah have argued that blanket removals of stray dogs are inhumane, impractical, and against long-standing animal welfare policies.
Dutt’s walkout highlights a broader tension between personal ethics and institutional choices. Her gesture—described by supporters as an act of principle—has sparked discussion on how media organizations balance philanthropy, responsibility, and the narratives they broadcast