The members Marathi Ekikaran Samiti who gathered at Dadar kabutar khana demanding enforcement of the ban of pigeon feeding, were detained by the police as soon as they started the demonstrations on late Wednesday morning. Around 15 to 20 members were detained and taken to Dadar police station and were released by afternoon.
Contrasting Police Action
This assertive police action stands in stark contrast to their passive stance during the August 6 protest at the same location, where officers were seen merely observing from the sidelines. The sudden shift in approach has drawn criticism, raising serious questions about the inconsistency and intent of authorities behind handling demonstrations.
Around 11.30 am, more than 150 people had reached Dadar kabutar khana for the protest, of which maximum were the local residents extending their support to closure of the iconic pigeon feeding spot, citing the public nuisance as well health hazards due to pegion droppings and feathers.
Allegations of Double Standards
The members of the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti slammed the double standards of the government and questioned the absence of police actions when the Jain community members protested in large and fed the pigeons at the same spot last week. Pramod Parte, the samiti leader who was also detained by the police said, "The police action has exposed the double standard behaviour of Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Why wasn't notice served to Jain community members? Till today no action has been taken against the August 6 protest. This is not justified."
The police had earlier denied permission for the protest and issued notices to the organisers under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagari Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act. Upon their arrival at the protest site, the police took preventive measures and detained the protesters.
Court Hearing on Controlled Feeding
Meanwhile, during the hearing in the Bombay High court on Wednesday, the BMC said that it is willing to start controlled pegion feeding (6 am to 8 am). However, the Marathi samiti said they will not allow any kind of pigeon feeding. "The human health is paramount. Most of the citizens will object even partial feeding. The locals are totally against it. You cannot tell the birds to come at particular time to eat. This is doesn't make sense. We will ensure no kind is feeding is allowed," Parte said.
Snehal Visaria, the petitioner said, "The court has told to form an expert committee and it will be formed by August 20. The petitioners will be allowed to give their inputs to the experts committee. On Monday, we had submitted total 12 letters to the BMC commissioner to allow controlled feeding. But we were told it will take a minimum of five days for our letters to reach ward offices."
Speaking with the FPJ earlier, BJP MLA Parag Shah said that it is a welcoming move that BMC is ready to allow controlled feeding. "Untill a permanent alternative measures are worked out, controlled feeding should be allowed. Every minute the birds are dying out of starvation and thirst," he said.
Call for Equal Enforcement
Chetan Kamble, a civic activist from Dadar said, "The Wednesday's Bombay High Court order is clear public health comes first. Yet it’s outrageous that citizens upholding the court’s directives are being detained, while those openly defying them face no action. Doctors have long warned about deadly diseases from pigeon feeding, yet rules are enforced selectively. We urge the BMC to take strict, permanent action so our roads and public spaces remain free from health hazards. No one is above the law — enforce it equally."
