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The Bombay High Court has strongly criticized the ongoing Maratha quota protests in Mumbai, led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, for paralyzing the city and violating both prior court orders and government permissions. In an urgent order, the special bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad directed all protestors—except those holding peaceful demonstrations at the designated Azad Maidan site—to vacate the city’s streets by Tuesday noon, emphasizing the “imminent necessity” of restoring normal life, especially amid the Ganpati festival.

The Court noted photographic and news evidence showing protesters cooking, playing games, and bathing on public roads, blocking key locations including CSMT, Marine Drive, Flora Fountain, Mantralaya, and the area outside the High Court itself. The demonstrations far exceeded the original permission, which had limited participation to 5,000 people and had confined the site to Azad Maidan. The Court also observed that protest organizers ignored notices of violation and refused to acknowledge receipt of such legal documents.

In its order, the bench instructed the Maharashtra government to prevent entry of additional protestors and ensure compliance with the Public Meetings, Agitations and Processions Rules, 2025. The state was authorized to take action at city entry points and further directed to provide food and medical aid to those continuing their lawful sit-in at Azad Maidan. Medical support was specifically mandated for Jarange, who is on a hunger strike demanding 10% Maratha reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

The Court expressed hope that “good counsel will prevail” and urged peaceful resolution, reiterating the essential need for public order and rule of law in balancing citizens’ protest rights and protection of civic life.