The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has ordered the immediate and permanent shutdown of the weekly market in Lakadganj involved in the sale of wild birds and animals. Following the court’s directions, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), along with the police, will take action against the market on Sunday. The civic body informed the court on Friday about the proposed enforcement drive.
The issue was raised through a petition filed by Charanjeet Singh Renu and was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode. According to the petition, an illegal market operates every Sunday along the roadside in the Lakadganj area, where wild birds, rabbits, cats, dogs and other animals are openly sold.
The petition pointed out that several birds sold at the market belong to protected species and are kept in cramped cages under extremely cruel and unhygienic conditions, without proper food, water or medical care. It was also alleged that rabbits and pigeons were kept with their legs tied, restricting their movement and causing severe distress.
Taking a serious view of the matter, the court directed the immediate and permanent closure of the illegal bird and animal market, noting that it violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and several other legal provisions. The petition further stated that such illegal markets encourage poaching by creating commercial demand, leading to large-scale damage to forest ecosystems beyond the capture of wildlife.
The petitioner also sought a statewide circular directing all district collectors, police commissioners and forest officials to enforce a uniform ban on unlicensed, roadside and casual animal and bird markets across Maharashtra.
Advocate Ajay Maheshwari appeared for the petitioner, while Advocate Jemini Kasat represented the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. The petitioner alleged that a detailed complaint, supported by photographs, was submitted to the authorities on September 24, 2025, followed by several reminders, but no action was taken.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 3.
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