HC Orders Mumbai Streets Cleared by Sept 2 Amid Maratha Stir
The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to clear all streets in Mumbai of Maratha quota protestors by Tuesday noon, September 2. The court noted that the agitation had gone beyond its allotted site at Azad Maidan, creating massive disruption to traffic, train services, and access to important offices in South Mumbai.
Protest Exceeded Permitted Area
Permission was originally granted for around 5,000 protestors at Azad Maidan. However, larger groups spread into areas including CST and Nariman Point. The High Court observed that even its own entrances were obstructed, hampering the movement of judges and staff. Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad termed the situation “grim” and ordered immediate restoration of order.
Protest Leader Issues Ultimatum
Protest leader Manoj Jarange-Patil declared that he would not leave Mumbai until the demand for Maratha reservation under the OBC category was accepted. Despite this, the court ruled that demonstrations must remain confined to the designated zone and take place within the framework of the law.
Cleanup and Enforcement Underway
Following the directive, Mumbai Police began serving notices instructing protestors to vacate occupied areas. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also deployed sanitation teams to clear Azad Maidan and surrounding streets, aiming to reopen roads for public use as quickly as possible.
