In a significant development, the Bombay High Court on Monday said that Manoj Jarange Patil’s protest over providing reservation to all Marathas had violated all conditions and brought the entire city of Mumbai to a standstill. It ordered authorities to clear all other roads in Mumbai by tomorrow.
The High Court ordered authorities to clear other roads occupied by protesters by 4 pm on Tuesday, stating that the agitation should be held only at Azad Maidan and not elsewhere. It also instructed authorities to stop other protesters coming to Mumbai and halt them at the borders.
During a special hearing on a petition challenging the ongoing agitation, a bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad stated that Jarange had not been granted permission for an indefinite hunger strike – rather the approval was given for just one day.
The court also observed that permission was given to only 5,000 people, but more people gathered outside Azad Maidan to join Jarange’s Maratha quota protest. The HC has sought a response from the Maharashtra government on the steps taken to address the issue, and the matter will be heard tomorrow at 3 pm.
During a special hearing on a petition challenging the ongoing agitation, a bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad stated that Jarange had not been granted permission for an indefinite hunger strike – rather the approval was given for just one day.
The court also observed that permission was given to only 5,000 people, but more people gathered outside Azad Maidan to join Jarange’s Maratha quota protest. The HC has sought a response from the Maharashtra government on the steps taken to address the issue, and the matter will be heard tomorrow at 3 pm.
Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai since August 29, seeking a 10 per cent quota for the Marathas under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. Thousands have gathered in the city in support of the activist, crowding at major junctions in the business district.
As the protest entered its fourth day on Monday, the heavy turnout caused congestion on arterial routes such as DN Road, JJ Marg and Mahapalika Marg, while commuters at CSMT railway station faced overcrowding on platforms. Office-goers reported delays as some agitators attempted to stop vehicles, including BEST buses.
Despite heavy police deployment, protesters were seen ignoring security instructions. Some groups attempted to enter the Bombay Stock Exchange premises, but were stopped at the gates. Police diverted traffic heading towards CSMT, while the BEST undertaking suspended or rerouted buses.
On August 26, the high court stated that public places cannot be occupied for an indefinite period, and protests can only be held after permission from the concerned authorities. However, the authorities granted Jarange permission to hold the protest at Azad Maidan for a day, which was later extended by one more day.
