Bombay HC issues warning to Maratha quota protesters; Says clear Mumbai roads by tomorrow noon

Manoj Jarange has been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan since Friday and has also stopped drinking water since Monday. They are demanding 10% reservation for the Maratha community.

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has taken a tough stand on the Maratha reservation movement. The court termed the demonstration led by Manoj Jarange as not peaceful and said that the protesters had violated the rules set. The court clarified that the permission for the protest was limited only to Azad Maidan, but protesters also gathered outside many major places in Mumbai like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, Marine Drive and the High Court. The court ordered that all roads be cleared by Tuesday afternoon.

The court asked the state government to bring the situation under control and ensure that the roads remain empty. Emphasis was laid on maintaining balance in the use of police force. The court also said that everyone has the right to protest, but it should be peaceful and according to the rules. The next hearing of the case will be on Tuesday.

Mumbai City Has Come To Standstill

A bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad said in a special hearing that the protesters have not stopped at Azad Maidan, the designated place for the agitation, and have blocked several important areas of south Mumbai. The court said the situation is serious and Mumbai city has almost come to a standstill. The court said protesters have gathered at important places like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Churchgate railway stations, Marine Drive promenade and the High Court building.

Manoj Jarange On Hunger Strike

Manoj Jarange has been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan since Friday and has also stopped drinking water since Monday. They are demanding 10% reservation for the Maratha community and recognition of Marathas as Kunbi caste, so that they can get reservation in government jobs and education by including them in the OBC category. Along with this, they are also demanding special reservation for Marathas of Marathwada region. However, OBC leaders have opposed this demand.

The High Court has asked the government to take strict action against Jarange and his supporters, accusing them of breaking every condition. Advocate General Birendra Saraf said that the permission for the protest was only till August 29, while Jarange's assurance to the police proved to be merely formal.