In a rare three-hour urgent hearing held during the Ganesh festival vacation, the Bombay High Court on Monday (September 1) sharply criticized Maratha quota protesters led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil for bringing South Mumbai to a standstill and directed the Maharashtra government to clear all protesters from city streets by noon on Tuesday (September 2).
The Special Bench of Justices Ravindra V. Ghuge and Gautam A. Ankhad ordered authorities to prevent more agitators from entering Mumbai and to ensure medical attention for Mr. Jarange if his health deteriorates. Jarange, 43, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan since August 29, demanding a 10% quota for the Maratha community in government jobs and education under the OBC category. Supporters said he has stopped consuming water, escalating his protest.
The court observed that protesters had occupied several parts of South Mumbai, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Churchgate station, Marine Drive, Flora Fountain, and even surrounded the High Court building. Judges noted that protesters were seen climbing traffic signals, playing kabaddi and tug-of-war on roads, bathing and cooking on streets, urinating in public, and damaging heritage property.
“We want normalcy to return. Mumbaikars cannot be inconvenienced further, especially during Ganesh festivities,” the Bench said, warning protest organizers to clean up all areas except Azad Maidan by Tuesday noon.
The court criticized Jarange for failing to keep assurances and questioned whether the protest remained peaceful. “You boasted that more people will come. Every assurance given by Mr. Jarange has been violated,” the judges remarked.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting with Deputy Chief Ministers to discuss a legally sustainable solution to the Maratha quota demand. Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil condemned reports of harassment of journalists and women reporters at the protest, saying such incidents had tarnished the image of the movement.
National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar also expressed concern, urging protesters to respect journalists and the public. Security was tightened across Mumbai on Tuesday morning, with police preparing for possible tensions as they work to implement the High Court’s order.
Also Read: SC Declines Bihar Voter List Deadline Extension, Says Claims Can Be Filed Beyond September 1
