SC refuses to interfere with Bombay HC order against feeding of pigeons

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with a Bombay High Court order to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to book people feeding pigeons at “kabutar khanas” (pigeon feeding spots) in the western metropolis.

A bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi dismissed a petition against the high court’s order, saying “parallel indulgence” was improper.

Animal rights activists and others had challenged the Bombay High Court’s order which said the issue involved public health and grave potential health hazards to people of all ages.

The Supreme Court, however, said the petitioner could move the high court for modification of its earlier order.

Three women petitioners claimed BMC started demolishing the feeding spots from July 3 onwards without legal backing as it went against provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

A Jain monk has threatened to launch an indefinite hunger strike from August 13 against the decision to shut down pigeon feeding spots.