The Bombay High Court, in a special hearing on Monday, declared that the ongoing Maratha quota agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange has brought Mumbai to a standstill, violating conditions for a peaceful protest. The court ordered Jarange and his supporters to clear all streets by noon on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to restore normalcy in the city, which has been grappling with severe disruptions during the Ganesh festival.

Jarange, who began an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan on August 29, demands a 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The court, led by Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad, noted that protesters have spilled beyond the designated Azad Maidan, blocking key areas like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, Marine Drive, and even the High Court’s premises.

“The situation is grim, and the city of Mumbai has been practically brought to a standstill,” the bench stated, highlighting violations of police permissions granted only until August 29. The court criticized Jarange’s assurances of a peaceful protest as “lip service,” pointing to blocked judicial access and public inconvenience.

The High Court directed the Maharashtra government to enforce legal measures to prevent further influx of protesters and ensure compliance with the Public Protest and Agitation Rules of 2025. Advocate General Birendra Saraf noted the delicate balance required due to the ongoing festival, cautioning against excessive police force.

With Jarange escalating his hunger strike by refusing water, the court expressed concern for his health, mandating medical assistance if needed. The matter is set for further hearing on Tuesday, September 2, as the city braces for potential further disruptions.

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