A longstanding tradition of pigeon feeding in Mumbai, deeply rooted in the Jain community's values of compassion and non-violence, has come under legal scrutiny following a directive from the Bombay High Court. The court has ordered a city-wide crackdown on unauthorised 'kabutarkhanas' (pigeon feeding zones), citing severe public health concerns linked to pigeon droppings.
The ruling follows growing concerns over respiratory illnesses and the encroachment of public spaces by these feeding zones. Shiv Sena MLC Maneesha Kayande raised the issue during the state’s monsoon session, prompting the Maharashtra government to instruct the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take immediate and strict action.
On 31 July, a division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif S Doctor stopped short of ordering demolition but made it clear that illegal pigeon feeding must cease. The court noted that the accumulation of droppings and feathers poses a grave health hazard, particularly through conditions like "pigeon lung", a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by prolonged exposure to airborne particles from pigeon waste.
“Infections caused by pigeon waste fungal, bacterial, and parasitic can trigger serious allergic reactions,” said infectious diseases expert Dr Ishwar Gilada. “This is especially harmful to those suffering from asthma. Many such cases have been reported over the last 40 years.”
In compliance with the order, the BMC began sealing off 'kabutarkhanas', starting with the Dadar Kabutarkhana on 2 August. Barricades were erected using bamboo and plastic sheeting, the power supply was cut off, and CCTV cameras installed to monitor activity. Over 15 individuals have since been fined ₹500 each for feeding pigeons in restricted areas, and the first FIR under the new enforcement policy was registered in Mahim. Police have also been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent tensions from escalating.
Despite the public awareness campaigns on the health risks, tensions flared in Mira Road on Sunday when a dispute over pigeon feeding turned violent. According to Kashimira police, a 69-year-old man, Mahendra Patel, objected to a neighbour feeding pigeons near their building. The altercation escalated, and Patel’s daughter, Premal, was allegedly attacked with an iron rod and choked. A case has been registered against four individuals under sections 118(8), 115(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The crackdown has provoked strong backlash from religious and community leaders. On Sunday, around 1,000 protestors gathered at the Gateway of India, led by Jain monk Nilesh Chandra Vijay, former corporator Puran Doshi, and representatives of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. They argued that the ban infringes on religious freedom and violates Article 51(A)(g) of the Constitution, which encourages compassion towards living beings.
“Feeding pigeons is not just a spiritual act, it is a centuries-old tradition,” said one protestor. Particular emphasis was placed on the Dadar Kabutarkhana, established in 1933 and designated a Grade-II heritage structure. Jain leaders have warned that if feeding is not permitted by 10 August, they will launch an indefinite hunger strike.
In response to the growing unrest, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis convened a meeting with senior leaders, including Ajit Pawar, Girish Mahajan, and MLA Ganesh Naik. Fadnavis reportedly criticised the abrupt closure of the 'kabutarkhanas', proposing instead a more balanced approach involving scientific studies, fixed feeding hours, and improved sanitation measures through advanced cleaning technology.
The Bombay High Court has asked KEM Hospital, the BMC, and Mumbai Police to submit comprehensive data ahead of the next hearing, scheduled for 7 August.
