MUMBAI: In the first conviction following the July ban ordered by the Bombay High Court, a metropolitan magistrate court in Bandra has held a 52-year-old Dadar-based businessman guilty of feeding pigeons in a public place, ruling that the act endangered public health and violated government directives.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate V U Misal of the 9th court, Bandra, on December 22 convicted Nitin Sheth under Sections 223(b) and 271 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to disobedience of a lawful order by a public servant and acts likely to spread diseases dangerous to life. The court imposed fines of ₹3,000 and ₹2,000 respectively.
Police registered the case on August 1 after Sheth was found feeding pigeons near the kabutarkhana on L J Road, close to Hinduja Hospital. Investigators said the act posed a threat to human life, health and safety and could contribute to the spread of disease.
In its order, the magistrate observed that the accused’s actions “caused danger to human life, health or safety” and amounted to a punishable offence for violating government orders. The court further noted that the act was done “unlawfully or negligently” with knowledge that it could spread infection dangerous to life.
Feeding pigeons in public places across Mumbai was declared illegal due to public health concerns, with the high court directing authorities in July to take action against such practices.
The case was registered at the Mahim Police Station, and a chargesheet was filed within a month. During the proceedings, Sheth pleaded guilty, stating his plea was voluntary and seeking leniency. Accepting the plea, the court held that a monetary penalty would suffice, given the nature of the offence.
