SC Turns Down Plea Against HC Order Preventing Feeding Of Pigeons, BMC Covers ‘Kabutarkhana’ Again

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with a Bombay High Court directive instructing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to take action against those feeding pigeons at kabutarkhanas—designated pigeon feeding spots—in Mumbai.

A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi dismissed a plea challenging the HC order, observing that “parallel indulgence” was not appropriate. The court advised the petitioners to approach the High Court for any modification of its order.

Health Hazard At The Centre Of Court’s Concern

The Bombay High Court had earlier ruled that the issue was primarily about public health, citing the “grave and potential health hazard” caused by large gatherings of pigeons. While restraining the BMC from demolishing old heritage kabutarkhanas, the HC prohibited feeding at these locations, prioritising “the safety and predominance of human health” over the nuisance created by the birds.

Petitioners—three women animal enthusiasts—had argued that the BMC began demolishing feeding spots from July 3 without proper legal authority, violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Protests & Escalating Tensions

The controversy deepened on August 6, when a large crowd of protesters removed tarpaulin sheets the BMC had placed over the Dadar kabutarkhana to deter feeding. The protest turned tense, with demonstrators clashing with police.

The BMC later repaired bamboo cladding at the site and re-covered the feeding area with silver plastic sheets. Security has been stepped up, and civic marshals have been deployed to prevent feeding and avoid any law-and-order issues.

Jain Monk Threatens Hunger Strike

Jain monk Muni Nileshchandra Vijay strongly opposed the court’s stance, warning of an indefinite hunger strike from August 13 if kabutarkhanas remain closed. “If necessary, we will also take up arms for religion,” he declared, adding that over 10 lakh Jains nationwide would join the protest.

“The ban targets Jain traditions. From ants to elephants, no living being should die (of hunger). Why is Jainism being targeted?” he asked, calling the move politically motivated ahead of elections.

Political Response

Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who has publicly supported preserving kabutarkhanas, distanced himself from the monk’s militant remarks. “I do not agree with his statement. I have spoken twice on this matter and I am fulfilling my role. I will not comment further,” he said.

Crackdown On Public Feeding

In line with the HC order, the BMC has been taking strict action. On Saturday, police booked a man for feeding pigeons from a grain-filled tray placed on his car roof in Dadar and seized his vehicle.

The BMC maintains that banning public feeding is necessary to mitigate health hazards linked to pigeon droppings, which can cause respiratory ailments. The legal battle continues, but for now, feeding pigeons at Mumbai’s kabutarkhanas remains prohibited.