The Bombay High Court on Thursday reaffirmed its interim support for the ongoing ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces, including traditional congregation sites such as kabootarkhanas. The court directed the Maharashtra government to constitute a multidisciplinary expert panel to evaluate the public health risks posed by pigeon feeding and offer scientific recommendations to break the prevailing policy deadlock.
The division bench stated that until a scientifically grounded opinion is available, its earlier orders—denying interim relief to citizens opposing the ban—would remain in effect. At the same time, the civic body is free to continue enforcement against those who violate the restrictions. The court stressed that it would not assume the role of a medical expert in evaluating the health impact of pigeon feeding, and emphasised the need for a data-backed, policy-driven approach to settle the matter. The court noted that the situation represents a classic case of balancing fundamental rights and duties—respecting compassion for living beings while ensuring public health and environmental safety.
Civic authorities, particularly the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), had sealed off several pigeon congregation points in response to health warnings, including studies from municipal medical departments linking pigeon droppings to respiratory ailments like asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. While some citizen groups sought permission to feed pigeons during limited time slots, the court stated that no modification to existing orders would be entertained without a formal application and scientific validation. A senior advocate representing a charitable trust was granted the liberty to make a representation before the BMC for feeding access in a specific early morning window, but no assurance was offered from the court on enforcement leniency.
The court also cited a medical opinion submitted by a leading pulmonologist, previously consulted by the bench, which reinforced the need for a multidisciplinary review involving experts from environmental science, public health, and urban ecology. The expert committee, once formed by the state, will include members nominated by the BMC, the state, and the petitioners, to ensure balanced representation. Pending this committee’s findings, the civic body has confirmed that it will maintain its current stance and continue legal action against those obstructing its directives. The High Court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for the upcoming Wednesday, when names for the proposed expert panel will be reviewed in court.
While the issue remains polarised—pitting cultural and religious traditions against evidence-based urban governance—the court’s stand underscores the primacy of public health in densely populated metros like Mumbai. In the absence of rigorous data or regulatory clarity, the matter remains in judicial limbo, pending expert validation that aligns environmental compassion with community well-being.
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