The Bombay High Court came down heavily on the Maratha quota agitation led by Manoj Jarange, stating that the protest has violated all agreed conditions and brought the city to a standstill. During an urgent hearing, the bench of Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhale observed that the demonstration was neither peaceful nor within the permitted limits.
The court noted that protesters were allowed to gather only at Azad Maidan but instead occupied major locations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate station, Marine Drive, and even areas outside the High Court. The bench directed that all roads across Mumbai must be cleared by Tuesday noon and only 5,000 protestors be allowed at the protest site, with the rest vacating the city.
Expressing concern over public inconvenience, the court said vehicles of judges and lawyers were stopped, entry gates were blocked, and protesters were seen cooking, bathing, and littering on the streets. The judges remarked that Jarange’s assurance to police had turned out to be a mere formality, as the movement disrupted civic life.
The state government, represented by Advocate General Birendra Saraf, admitted difficulties in managing the situation due to Ganeshotsav celebrations. The court, however, insisted that the right to protest must be exercised peacefully and in line with established rules. It also directed the government to ensure that fresh groups of protestors are not allowed into the city.
The matter will be heard again on Tuesday.
