The Bombay High Court's decision to uphold the ban on feeding pigeons in Mumbai's "kabutarkhanas" (pigeon feeding spots) continues to stir controversy and protests, with the Supreme Court recently refusing to intervene in the matter. The High Court's ruling, which supports the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) prohibition, is rooted in concerns about public health and hygiene, citing the potential health hazards associated with large congregations of pigeons and their droppings.

The issue has ignited strong reactions from various groups. Animal enthusiasts and some religious communities, particularly the Jain community, have voiced their opposition to the ban, arguing that it infringes upon their religious practices and animal rights. Muni Nileshchandra Vijay, a Jain monk, has announced an indefinite hunger strike starting August 13, 2025, in protest of the ban, signaling a potential escalation of the conflict. He has also warned that the community might defy court orders if they clash with their religious beliefs.

Conversely, other groups, including a Marathi samiti, are calling for the strict enforcement of the ban and even the closure of kabutarkhanas, emphasizing the importance of public health and safety. The BMC has been actively reinforcing the ban, deploying security personnel and using physical barriers to prevent gatherings at the Dadar kabutarkhana.

The legal battle is ongoing, with multiple petitions still before the High Court. The Supreme Court, while dismissing a plea against the ban, has suggested that petitioners could seek modifications to the High Court order if desired. Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi stated that a parallel hearing by the Supreme Court would be improper while the matter is still under consideration by the High Court.

In light of the ongoing dispute, petitioners who challenge the ban have submitted letters to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, requesting designated feeding time slots for pigeons. They have proposed three time slots: 7:30 am to 8:30 am, 12 pm to 1 pm, and 4 pm to 5 pm. This move comes ahead of another hearing in the case that is scheduled for today, August 13.

The Bombay High Court has clarified that it did not order the closure of kabutarkhanas but has refused to halt the BMC's ban on feeding the birds. The court has also suggested that a committee of experts could assess the future of these structures, reiterating that "human life is of paramount importance". The BMC maintains that the ban is essential to prevent health hazards related to pigeon droppings and overcrowding.

The situation remains tense, with the core issue revolving around balancing public health concerns with religious practices and animal welfare. The legal proceedings in the High Court and the planned protests indicate that the dispute is far from resolved.