On July 30, a bench comprising Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Arif Doctor heard a petition filed by a group of animal lovers. The court not only labeled pigeon feeding a public nuisance but also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to register FIRs against those who continue to feed pigeons in public places.
The court also instructed the BMC to take strict measures to prevent the congregation of pigeons at designated kabutarkhanas (pigeon shelters) across the city. This includes taking all necessary steps to stop the feeding and gathering of pigeons in such areas. During an earlier hearing on July 3, the court had prohibited the BMC from demolishing any heritage kabutarkhana structures but clarified that feeding pigeons there would not be permitted.
Petitioners Pallavi Patil, Sneha Visraria, and Savita Mahajan had argued that the BMC’s actions violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Despite the lack of permission, people continue to feed pigeons at kabutarkhanas.
Previous petitions on this issue had been dismissed, adding to the complexity.
Municipal officers are being obstructed from performing their duties.
The court granted the BMC permission to take legal action against any individuals or groups violating the law.
On July 3, 2025, the Maharashtra government announced in the Legislative Assembly that all 51 kabutarkhanas in Mumbai would be shut down immediately. On the same day, the BMC was directed to fine individuals INR 500 for feeding pigeons after food centers were closed.
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Many housing societies in Mumbai have also enforced rules banning the feeding of pigeons from windows or balconies. Violators can be fined between INR 500 and INR 1,000. Further legal action can be taken under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Section 381(b) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949.
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