11 August,2025 04:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The top court said the petitioner could move the Bombay High Court for the order`s modification. Representational Pic/File
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea against a Bombay High Court order directing the BMC to file FIR against persons feeding pigeons in "kabutarkhanas" (pigeon feeding spots) in Mumbai, reported the PTI.
A bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi refused to intervene and said "parallel indulgence" was improper.
The Supreme Court said that the petitioner could move the Bombay High Court for the order's modification.
The top court was hearing an appeal filed by animal enthusiasts and others challenging an order of the Bombay High Court.
The high court observed the issue was over public health and the grave and potential health hazard to people of all ages at large.
Court had previously restrained the BMC from demolishing any of the old heritage kabutarkhanas in the metropolis, but refused to allow feeding of the birds, as per the PTI.
The high court had then underlined the safety and predominance of human health from the menace created by the congregation of pigeons to be the biggest concern.
The plea was filed by Pallavi Patil, Sneha Visaria and Savita Mahajan, who claimed the BMC started demolishing the feeding spots from July 3 onwards without legal backing.
They argued the BMC's act violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Didn't order closure of 'kabutarkhanas', says Bombay HC, 'but people's health is important'
Earlier, the Bombay High Court had last week, on Thursday, said it had not passed any order directing the closure of 'kabutarkhanas (pigeon-feeding spots)' in the city, but only refrained from staying the closure order of the municipal corporation.
An expert panel can study if the old kabutarkhanas in Mumbai should continue, however, "human life is of paramount importance", the court said, adding, "If something affects the larger health of senior citizens and kids, then it should be looked into. There has to be a balance."
Earlier this week, sheets were placed covering the kabutarkhanas in the city, leading to protests from some Mumbaikars. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had then claimed that the kabutarkhanas were closed following the HC's order.
A bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, however, clarified on Thursday that it had not passed any order, PTI reported.
"It was the BMC's (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) decision (to close Kabutarkhanas) which was challenged before us. We did not pass any order. We only did not grant any interim relief," the high court had said.
(with PTI inputs)
