Fadnavis Promises Legal Fix as Maratha Stir Grips Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday that the state government will fully comply with the Bombay High Court’s directives regarding the Maratha quota protests led by activist Manoj Jarange, which have disrupted Mumbai. Speaking to reporters in Pune, Fadnavis also revealed that the government is actively exploring legal avenues to address the demand for Maratha reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, specifically through Kunbi status recognition.

The High Court, in a hearing by Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad, noted that Jarange’s ongoing hunger strike at Azad Maidan since August 29 has violated protest permissions, causing widespread disruption in Mumbai. The court directed the government to enforce legal measures to clear streets by noon on September 2 and prevent additional protesters from entering the city.

Fadnavis acknowledged the court’s observations, stating, “Some violations have taken place regarding the permissions given to the protest in Mumbai. The court has expressed displeasure over whatever is happening on the roads.” He refuted claims of a law-and-order collapse, asserting that police have swiftly managed sporadic incidents.

Fadnavis, who chaired a meeting with deputies Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, emphasized ongoing efforts to find legally sustainable solutions to the quota demand. “We deliberated all the legal options and worked to find legal solutions, which will withstand in court,” he said, dismissing allegations that shops near Azad Maidan were forcibly closed to starve protesters.

Instead, he clarified that shopkeepers shut voluntarily due to the unrest but have been assured police protection to reopen. The government’s commitment to both judicial compliance and dialogue aims to resolve the contentious standoff while restoring normalcy in Mumbai.

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