The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the Bombay High Court's ruling that feeding pigeons in Mumbai's kabutarkhanas poses serious public health risks. The order allows the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to file criminal cases against those who continue feeding pigeons despite its ban.
Animal rights activists and bird lovers had challenged MCGM's July decision to remove pigeon feeding spots. While the High Court initially stayed the demolition, it later noted repeated violations.
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"The designated officers of the Municipal Corporation are empowered to initiate prosecutions under Sections 270, 271, and 272 of the Bombay Nuisance and Sanitary Substances Act… Such acts constitute public nuisance, threaten to spread diseases, and endanger public health," the Court stated on July 30.
A bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi said petitioners could approach the High Court for changes, stressing,
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"Parallel indulgence by this Court is not proper."
Petitioners argued pigeon feeding is a centuries-old religious practice and proposed bird towers as an alternative. They questioned the health link, blaming pollution instead.
The Courts, however, prioritized health and upheld MCGM's power to act against potential disease risks, reinforcing the balance between tradition and public safety.
