Protests at Dadar Pigeon Feeding Shop: Members of Marathi Unity Committee Arrested by Police for Demonstrations
In the heart of Mumbai, on August 6, members of the Jain community staged a protest at Dadar Kabutarkhana against the ban on pigeon feeding. Despite a violent clash with the police and the destruction of BMC-installed barricades and tarpaulin covers, no immediate action such as arrests was taken [1][4].
Five days later, an FIR was registered against around 150 people for unlawful assembly, mischief, and disobeying police orders. However, as of the following days, no one had been arrested [4]. The sensitive nature of the issue, as feeding pigeons is a religious practice for the Jain community, seems to be the reason behind the cautious approach by authorities [3].
The Bombay High Court had previously clarified that it did not order the closure of the pigeon feeding sites but had declined to stay the BMC's decision to discourage the practice due to health concerns [2]. The BMC is awaiting further instructions following the HC order before taking stronger enforcement steps [1].
The protests involved hundreds of people, including women and community leaders, generating strong public sympathy and political attention. Threats of hunger strikes and further protests from Jain monks have added to the political pressure [2]. This likely contributes to the authorities' cautious approach, resulting in FIR registration but no immediate punitive action against the protestors as of late August 2025 [1][4].
The dispute over pigeon feeding and the closure of kabutar khanas has become a political issue in Mumbai. Jain community members, BJP MLAs, and Marathi leaders have differing opinions on the matter [2]. The detained protest at the Dadar kabutar khana is a part of this ongoing dispute.
On August 6, the Jain community members tore off the tarpaulin and fed the pigeons, violating the state government's, BMC's, and High Court's directives [1]. The social issue of the closure of kabutar khanas over health hazards has escalated into a political issue.
The detained members were protesting against the enforcement of a ban on pigeon feeding. They questioned the Mumbai police, asking where they were when the Jain community members protested on August 6 [1]. Pramod Parte, the leader from Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, has made a statement regarding the law and order situation [1].
A hearing on the Kabutar Khana closure case is scheduled in the Bombay High Court this afternoon. The closure of kabutar khanas in Mumbai remains a contentious issue, with some advocating for their reopening and others for their continued closure, citing health concerns [2]. The social issue has become a significant political issue in Mumbai, with Pramod Parte, the Home Minister, being held responsible for the current law and order situation [1].
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