Overview
- The High Court reiterated that the ban on public pigeon feeding remains in force and directed the BMC to continue registering FIRs and levying fines against violators.
- BMC counsel Ram Apte told the court the civic body plans to permit controlled feeding at Dadar Kabutarkhana from 6 am to 8 am under strict hygiene conditions.
- The bench mandated that the BMC must issue a public notice inviting objections from citizens and stakeholders before deciding on any feeding application.
- Advocate General Birendra Saraf submitted an 11-member list to form an expert panel charged with examining pigeon-related health risks, with a report due within a month.
- Community tensions rose as a Jain monk began an indefinite hunger strike and police detained protesters who clashed over tarpaulin coverings at feeding sites.