The BRICS TimesThe Bombay High Court expressed serious concern over Maharashtra government’s handling of the ongoing agitation.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sternly reprimanded Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange and his supporters for defying the law by continuing their demonstration at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. The bench ordered the protesters to vacate the premises immediately.
A division bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe, described the assembly of over 50,000 individuals as “entirely unlawful” and instructed authorities to clear the area by 3 pm to reinstate normalcy in the city. The judges noted that the ongoing agitation had disrupted routine life and instilled fear among local residents.
Calling the situation “extremely serious,” the bench also criticized the Maharashtra government, citing lapses in managing the protest effectively. The court emphasized that law and order cannot be compromised under any circumstances and directed authorities to take immediate action to restore peace.
The bench clarified that Jarange and his supporters had no legal right to occupy Azad Maidan without formal permission. “This is a grave situation. We are not satisfied with the state government either; there appears to be a failure on its part as well,” the court observed.
Senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, representing Jarange, expressed regret for the misconduct of some protesters on city streets, highlighting that the activist had always aimed to avoid causing inconvenience to the public. He assured the court that such behavior would not recur.
The judges questioned whether Jarange and his supporters had vacated Azad Maidan, where he has been conducting an indefinite hunger strike since August 29. The bench reiterated, “They are violators and have no right to remain here. They must leave immediately or legal action will follow. This occupation is completely illegal. After 3 pm, no one will be permitted at Azad Maidan.”
The court highlighted an incident on Monday when protestors obstructed access to the High Court, forcing a judge to walk to court. “It is unacceptable for the High Court to be effectively under siege,” the bench noted. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing at 3 pm on Tuesday.
Maneshinde informed the court that Jarange had submitted a fresh application seeking permission to continue the protest, which remains pending. The bench clarified that anticipation of approval does not grant any right to occupy the Maidan illegally.
“Vacate by 3 pm, or we will take all necessary legal measures. We may impose exemplary costs or initiate contempt proceedings. Complete normalcy must be restored by 3 pm, or we will personally intervene,” the bench warned.
The lawyer pointed out that while Jarange has organized protests previously, the current situation has escalated beyond normal limits. The court urged both the activist and his supporters to adopt a pragmatic approach.
Maneshinde added that Jarange had informed the government four months ago about his plans to protest and had filed an application seeking permission a month prior. However, no arrangements were made at Azad Maidan. The bench noted that permission had been granted for 5,000 participants, yet thousands more gathered, overwhelming the city.
“What measures did you take to prevent over 50,000 people from congregating in Mumbai? Did you instruct them to leave once the crowd exceeded limits?” the court inquired. Maneshinde responded that Jarange had appealed to his supporters via media channels and that following Monday’s High Court directive, streets and vehicles had been cleared.
Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan for five days, demanding a 10% quota for Marathas under the OBC category, and has asserted that he will remain in Mumbai until the government fulfills his demand.
(With PTI inputs)
Akshay Didwaniya
