A Flight of Controversy: Pigeon Feeding Ban Sparks Outcry in Mumbai

The Supreme Court refused to intervene in a Bombay High Court order preventing pigeon feeding at 'kabutarkhanas' over health concerns. The ruling sparked protests from the Jain community, citing religious practice violations. Despite the controversy, the BMC enforced bans, citing health hazards from pigeon congregations.

The Supreme Court on Monday chose not to interfere with a Bombay High Court directive that instructs the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to penalize individuals feeding pigeons at 'kabutarkhanas' in Mumbai.

With heightened security, the BMC has reinforced covers over feeding spots to mitigate public health risks, amid protests led by Jain monk Muni Nileshchandra Vijay.

Though Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha showed support for kabutarkhanas, he distanced himself from the monk's threats of a hunger strike if religious practices were curtailed.

(With inputs from agencies.)