Mumbai Police on Tuesday denied permission for the continuation of the Maratha reservation agitation at Azad Maidan and asked protesters to vacate the premises, citing violations of the conditions set by the Bombay High Court and police authorities.
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike entered its fifth day, with thousands of supporters gathered at the site. Despite this, police officials informed Patil’s core committee to clear Azad Maidan immediately.
The move follows Monday’s urgent High Court hearing, where the bench observed that the protestors had breached their undertaking and disrupted normal life in Mumbai. The court stressed that restoring order was essential, particularly with the Ganpati festival approaching.
The court directed the state to ensure protesters vacate occupied areas by Tuesday noon and to block further entry of agitators into the city. It also instructed the government to provide medical assistance, water, and food packets to Patil and other protestors, while prioritising his health amid the hunger strike.
The agitation, demanding 10% OBC quota in jobs and education for Marathas, has caused significant traffic disruptions near CST station and surrounding areas. Mounting pressure has prompted the state government to form a 10-member ministerial committee led by Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil to negotiate with stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) opposition has extended support to the protest, while the ruling Mahayuti alliance has accused them of politicising the issue.
