/newsfirstprime/media/agency_attachments/2025/07/28/2025-07-28t111554609z-2025-07-23t100810984z-newsfirst_prime_640-siddesh-kumar-h-p-1-2025-07-23-15-38-10-2025-07-28-16-45-54.webp)
Follow Us
/newsfirstprime/media/media_files/2025/12/27/dove-2025-12-27-10-00-38-2025-12-27-10-22-56.webp)
A Mumbai court has imposed a fine on a Dadar-based businessman for feeding pigeons in a public place, marking the first conviction of its kind amid health and safety concerns.
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a Mumbai court has convicted a local businessman for feeding pigeons in a public place, imposing a monetary penalty and setting a legal precedent aimed at enforcing public health regulations.
The accused, Nitin Sheth, a businessman from Dadar, was found guilty of violating an existing ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces. Authorities stated that despite restrictions imposed by civic bodies, Sheth continued the practice, which led to legal action.
Also Read:New Year safety move: Parks and lakes closed from 6 PM on December 31 in Bengaluru
During police investigation, Sheth admitted to feeding pigeons even after being aware of the prohibition. Based on a formal complaint, police registered a case and initiated legal proceedings against him.
The Bombay Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, B.Y. Misal, delivered the verdict on Monday, imposing a fine of ₹5,000 on the accused. The court held that the act amounted to conduct that endangered human life, health, or safety under Section 223(b) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, charges were framed under IPC Section 271, which deals with negligent acts likely to spread infection dangerous to life.
The court noted that this conviction serves as a preventive measure and a warning against treating such restrictions lightly in the future. It observed that the ruling should act as a deterrent and establish a precedent to ensure stricter compliance with public safety norms.
Also Read:‘Unscientific and fear-driven’: Animal Welfare Board slams pigeon feeding ban
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already enforced a ban on feeding pigeons in public areas, citing health hazards linked to bird droppings and airborne diseases. The Bombay High Court, during hearings held in August last year, upheld the civic body’s decision and reinforced the prohibition.
Similar restrictions are also in place in other cities. In Bengaluru too, feeding pigeons in public spaces has been banned as part of measures to safeguard public health and prevent disease transmission.
