An agitator holds a cutout of activist Manoj Jarange Patil during his indefinite hunger strike demanding reservation for the Maratha community, in Mumbai, on September 2, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday (September 2, 2025) came down heavily on the Maharashtra government over its handling of the ongoing Maratha quota agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, terming the situation “very serious” and warning that strict action would follow if normalcy was not restored..
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti A. Sathe expressed concern over “lapses” in controlling the protests, which have caused major disruptions in Mumbai and other parts of the State.
“This is very serious; there seems to be some lapse from the State government also. We would like to ask the State what steps have they taken to control the situation? This is completely illegal. I was travelling back home from the airport around 2:30 a.m. and I could not see a single patrolling van on my way from airport to my home. What about the safety of citizens? After 3 p.m., we will not permit anybody to continue. We want normalcy, or we may go on the roads ourselves,” the Bench observed, adding that the administration should have used the court’s earlier window to persuade protestors to vacate.
The judges also questioned the government on measures taken to implement the court’s August 26 order, including the use of loudspeaker announcements, ensuring citizens’ safety, and maintaining public order. The Bench sought data from hospitals, schools, and colleges on the impact of the agitation, noting that “considerable fear” had gripped residents, many of whom were unable to step out of their homes.
“We all have faced the difficulty. Judges faced difficulty to reach the court. We ask the State what steps have they taken in compliance of the court’s August 26 order. Have you made announcement on loudspeakers? Do you have evidence as video proof that you made the announcement? We will take all the necessary steps and impose strict law and we may proceed under the Contempt of Court Act. Why did it happen? Is it a conspiracy theory?” the Bench remarked.
The court also criticised reports of protestors “dancing on the roads” even as the city faced disruptions.
State advocates informed the Bench that notices had been served to Mr. Jarange directing him to vacate the protest site, but he had not complied. “Manoj Jarange is furnished a notice today that he has to vacate. In the past few days also, we have given notice but he has not responded and did not take it seriously. Milords, we apologise, I will convey it to them. I assure you there won’t be any disruptions in the city hereafter. They all have been law abiding and been silent today. I assure you there will be no violence,” counsel submitted.
After the 3:00 p.m. hearing, the High Court adjourned till 1 p.m. on Wednesday (September 3, 2025) the hearing on petitions related to the protest, after counsel for Mr. Jarange sought time to facilitate dialogue with the State Cabinet’s sub-committee.
A Bench led by Acting Chief Justice Chandrashekhar noted that organisers of the protest had stated that Mr. Jarange had appealed to his followers not to disturb law and order.
The petitioners, however, disputed the role of Respondent No. 6 (R6), arguing that it was an organisation behind the rally, while R6 maintained he was a community leader and not an organiser.
The Advocate General informed the court that a compliance report would be submitted by Tuesday evening. Mr. Jarange’s counsel told the Bench that his client had urged protestors to leave Mumbai. The court was informed that many participants had already left the city, while others had parked their vehicles in pay-and-park facilities and would soon be departing.
The Bench also observed that Respondent No. 5 (R5), alleged to be the “man behind the rally,” may be held responsible for instigating and abetting protestors to gather in Mumbai beyond the permissible limit of 5,000 people.
“Several other serious issues are involved in this matter, and respondents R5 to R7 will have to answer them,” the court said.
Before concluding, the Bench issued a stern warning, “This court would be constrained to pass any orders and go to any extent to uphold the majesty of the law. Any breach of our previous orders will not be tolerated, and appropriate action shall be taken against violators.”
The matter will now be heard at 1 p.m. on Wednesday (September 3, 2025).
Published – September 02, 2025 04:50 pm IST
