Bombay HC Orders Manoj Jarange, Followers To Clear Roads By Tuesday As Maratha Quota Stir Paralyzes Traffic

The Bombay High Court has criticised activist Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters for their protest at Azad Maidan, which caused traffic chaos in Mumbai. The court ordered the site to be cleared by noon tomorrow, allowing only 5,000 people to remain. The state government assured that the orders would be enforced. Jarange is demanding a 10% reservation and refuses to leave until it is granted.

On Monday, major roads in Mumbai were heavily congested due to the protests. Thousands of Maratha quota supporters occupied streets in south Mumbai, disrupting key routes around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Fort, Churchgate, and Mantralaya. Traffic on Dr DN Road from CSMT to Crawford Market was completely halted, with diversions only available via JJ Bridge.

Traffic Disruptions and Court Orders

Mahapalika Marg near Dhobi Talao Metro Junction was closed in both directions, blocking access to important locations like the BMC headquarters and Esplanade Court. Traffic was restricted to a single lane between Metro Junction and Bombay Gymkhana towards Fashion Street and the VSNL building, causing significant jams. Additional closures included Hazarimal Somlani Marg from VSNL Junction to CSMT and roads leading to Flora Fountain.

The Marine Drive promenade and roads leading to Vidhan Bhavan were also blocked by protesters. By Sunday evening, the CSMT junction was gridlocked, and the Eastern Freeway was shut down, forcing commuters onto overcrowded alternate routes. The High Court noted that Mumbai had been brought to a standstill and ordered Jarange's group to vacate all streets by Tuesday.

Government Response and Protester Demands

The court stated that no more than 5,000 protesters could stay at the site after Tuesday noon. Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad emphasised giving Jarange's group a chance to rectify the situation immediately. A further hearing will be held tomorrow at 3 pm to check compliance with these orders.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that his government would implement the court's orders. Speaking in Pune on Monday, he dismissed claims of law enforcement failure amid large-scale protests. The agitation began on August 27 and intensified when Jarange started an indefinite fast on August 29 for Marathas' recognition as Kunbis under the OBC category.

Political Reactions and Community Support

Jarange insists that government records already list 58 lakh Marathas as Kunbis and vowed not to leave until a 10% quota is implemented. On Sunday, he declared he would stop taking water due to delays from the government. Police estimate over 45,000 agitators arrived on Friday alone in convoys of nearly 8,000 vehicles.

With Azad Maidan unable to contain crowds, saffron-scarved protesters spilled onto adjoining roads, turning south Mumbai into a vast sit-in site. The agitation has sparked political exchanges; Jarange rejected retired judge Sandeep Shinde's appointment for talks, demanding a formal resolution instead.

BMC Measures Amidst Protests

While Chief Minister Fadnavis's cabinet explores legal options, opposition leaders blame successive governments for not resolving this decades-old demand. Meanwhile, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed sanitation staff, water tankers, mobile toilets, and medical teams at the protest camp.

As traffic chaos worsens with stalled negotiations, Jarange calls this agitation the Maratha community's "final fight" for reservation rights.