September 2, 2025: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday ordered activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and his supporters to vacate all streets and public spaces in Mumbai by noon, following widespread disruption caused by the Maratha quota protests. The court observed that the demonstrations had violated the conditions of their original permit and had “paralysed” the city.
The protests, which began as a peaceful demand for Maratha reservation, escalated over the past week, drawing tens of thousands of supporters to key locations such as Azad Maidan and areas around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Traffic snarls, suspension of bus services, and disruption to daily commerce prompted authorities to intervene.
During Monday’s hearing, the High Court noted that the continued occupation of streets had turned the protests into a public nuisance and no longer remained peaceful. “The right to protest does not extend to paralyzing a city,” the court stated, stressing that the agitators had exceeded the limits of their permitted assembly.
Manoj Jarange-Patil, a prominent Maratha reservation activist, had intensified his demonstration by announcing an indefinite hunger strike and subsequently refusing water intake, signaling a firm stance amid stalled negotiations with the Maharashtra government.
The Mumbai Police had earlier denied a request from Jarange-Patil’s group to extend their indefinite sit-in at Azad Maidan, citing repeated violations of previous court orders and concerns over public safety. Police sources confirmed that measures were being readied to enforce the High Court’s directive and restore normalcy in affected areas.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded to the court order, assuring that the government would take necessary steps to implement the directives. “The administration will ensure compliance with the High Court’s order while respecting citizens’ rights,” he stated.
Observers note that the High Court’s intervention underscores the delicate balance between the constitutional right to protest and the need to maintain public order. Legal experts suggest that failure to comply with the court order could lead to contempt proceedings or stricter enforcement actions.
As the deadline approaches, attention remains on Manoj Jarange-Patil and his supporters. The coming hours are expected to determine whether the protests will end peacefully or escalate further, prompting additional judicial and administrative measures.
The Maratha quota issue has been a longstanding and sensitive matter in Maharashtra politics, with periodic agitations in past years. Authorities continue to urge dialogue and negotiation, stressing that while peaceful protest is permissible, disruption of city life cannot be tolerated.
