Mumbai
The Bombay High Court has taken a tough stand on the decision to close the pigeonkhans, saying that there will be no compromise with public health. The court clarified that the decision has been taken on the basis of the report of doctors and experts and not arbitrarily. The High Court said, “This matter is not related to any one person or locality, but the health of the whole society.”
The court told the state government that if they have a separate opinion, they should present it, but if the government is not worried about the health of the people, then it is their will.
The High Court stressed that it is his duty to protect the health of the public. Pigeons’ beats (Vishtha) are spreading serious diseases, which are recorded in medical reports. In some cases, the condition of patients gets so bad that there is a chance of changing the lungs. Especially young children and elders are being affected the most. The health of the entire region cannot be endangered due to some people’s pigeons to pour granule. In fact, the Bombay High Court had directed BMC to introduce data from all hospitals in the city, but BMC has not yet submitted this data.
The court also clarified that no new order has been given in the case, but instructions have been issued during the hearing on the petition challenging the BMC’s decision. During the hearing, Dr. Rajan’s report was also presented in the court, in which he mentioned diseases and health problems from pigeons. Dr. Rajan had suggested that pigeon should be closed and they should be stopped. Justice Oak had taken the issue seriously earlier and the court said that they have medical reports in this regard.
The High Court reiterated that the matter is directly related to the health of the people and thousands of people live in the affected areas. The court said, “A few people of a few people cannot be hobby of fondness to the whole society’s health.” The High Court strictly said that the matter is the responsibility of the state government and the municipality. The constitution gives protection to every citizen and not only some people. The court linked the issue with everyone’s rights and said that the health of the people is paramount.
