Marathi activists detained for supporting pigeon feeding ban

Tensions flared in Mumbai’s Dadar area on Wednesday as police detained several Marathi Ekikaran Samiti activists, including president Govardhan Deshmukh, during a protest at the Dadar kabutarkhana supporting a court-ordered ban on pigeon feeding. The demonstration, which began around 11 am, saw a heavy police presence to prevent clashes, following a volatile protest on August 6 where demonstrators tore down a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) tarpaulin meant to deter pigeon feeding.

Deshmukh, addressing the crowd, demanded action against those who defied the ban last week, questioning why no cases were filed against alleged Jain community members involved in the earlier protest. As police moved to detain him and other activists, he reiterated the group’s commitment to a peaceful demonstration. A protester emphasized, “We’re here to support the ban peacefully, not to break rules or burden the police.” The group accused some Jain community members of flouting court orders, citing health risks posed by pigeon droppings.

The controversy intensified after Jain monk Muni Nileshchandra Vijay announced an indefinite hunger strike starting August 13, vowing to defy court orders if they conflicted with religious practices, and even hinting at taking up arms. This followed a Bombay High Court clarification on August 7 that it had not ordered kabutarkhana closures but stressed that “human life is paramount” and public health concerns, especially for seniors and children, must be addressed. The Supreme Court upheld the BMC’s enforcement of the ban on Monday.

Also Read: Fadnavis Backtracks on Pigeon Ban Amid Protests, Clashes Erupt

Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha clarified there was no religious angle to the issue, despite claims to the contrary. The BMC, reinforcing its stance, re-covered the kabutarkhana with tarpaulin and barricades on Sunday. The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, backed by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT), called the protest to uphold the law and protect public health, with leader Pramod Parte alleging lawlessness by pigeon feeders.

As the debate escalates, Mumbai remains divided, with the kabutarkhana issue highlighting tensions between public health, legal compliance, and cultural practices. The Bombay High Court is set to hear further arguments on forming an expert committee to evaluate the future of kabutarkhanas, as the city grapples with balancing compassion for animals and the well-being of its residents.

Also Read: Protesters Defy Court, Uncover Mumbai Pigeon Station