A significant controversy unfolded in Mumbai on Wednesday as the Jain community protested against a ban on feeding pigeons at the Dadar pigeon shelter. Jain monk Nileshchandra Vijay had threatened to initiate an indefinite hunger strike but has now decided to temporarily suspend this action following discussions with the Chief Minister's Office. He warned, however, that if the state government does not provide a 'positive response,' he will resume the hunger strike.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) imposed the feeding ban citing health concerns. Subsequently, the Bombay High Court upheld the BMC's decision, emphasizing the importance of human health. The Supreme Court also declined to intervene in the matter. A two-judge bench, comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi, stated that parallel intervention by the court was not appropriate, advising the petitioners to approach the High Court for amendments to the order.

On Wednesday, the Marathi Unification Committee announced a protest against the Jain community, demanding a complete ban on feeding pigeons at the Dadar shelter. The committee has also called for action against the Jain community for allegedly violating court orders by removing tarpaulin coverings to feed the pigeons. On August 6, the Jain community had protested by removing the tarpaulin from the Dadar pigeon shelter. Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has decided to support the Marathi Unification Committee's protest, and they hope that Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) will also join in.