Mumbai: A Mumbai court imposed a pigeon feeding fine of ₹5,000 on a city-based businessman for feeding pigeons in a public place, holding that the act posed serious health risks and contributed to the spread of diseases.
The court said feeding pigeons in open areas had become a public nuisance and endangered human health. It noted that civic authorities had already imposed a ban on pigeon feeding in several parts of Mumbai to curb health hazards.
According to the prosecution, the accused, Nitin Seth, a 52-year-old resident of Dadar, fed pigeons near a closed kabootar khana on August 1. Despite clear restrictions, he scattered food grains in a public area, violating civic norms. The case came up for judgment on December 22.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had earlier restricted pigeon feeding after medical experts warned that pigeon droppings could trigger respiratory illnesses and other infections. Officials argued that unchecked feeding worsened sanitation issues across the city.
Court cites health risks while imposing pigeon feeding fine
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate V.U. Misal found the accused guilty of violating provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, since the businessman sought leniency and tendered an apology, the court imposed a pigeon feeding fine of ₹5,000 instead of a harsher penalty.
The court observed that public feeding of birds directly endangered human life and public health. It held the accused guilty under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for violating public safety norms.
In addition, authorities booked the accused under Section 271 of the BNS for acting in a manner that could facilitate the spread of diseases. The court reiterated that civic restrictions aimed to protect public health and must be followed strictly.
Officials said the verdict sent a clear message that violations of public health rules would attract penalties. Civic authorities said they would continue monitoring public spaces to prevent similar incidents.
