Bombay HC Refuses to Stop Manoj Jarange’s Maratha Reservation Protest in Mumbai
The Bombay HC has issued a notice to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil following a petition seeking to restrain him and his supporters from entering Mumbai for an indefinite protest. While the court agreed to hear the matter and sought responses from Jarange and the state govt, it declined to pass any immediate pre-emptive orders halting the agitation.
The Bombay High Court has issued a notice to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil following a petition seeking to restrain him and his supporters from entering Mumbai for an indefinite protest. While the court agreed to hear the matter and sought responses from Jarange and the Maharashtra state government, it declined to pass any immediate pre-emptive orders halting the agitation.
High Court Seeks Response, Refuses Blanket Ban
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted potential traffic disruptions and public inconvenience in South Mumbai, the division bench noted that procedural fairness required hearing the activist's stance before passing any restrictive directives. The bench directed the petitioner to serve a notice to Jarange while asking the state administration to clarify its strategy regarding law, order, and public safety during the planned demonstrations. Abhijit Dipke Meets Manoj Jarange Patil, Backs Maratha Quota Agitation (Video).
Directions on Medical Assistance
Taking note of Jarange’s ongoing hunger strike and deteriorating health condition, the High Court emphasized that the state government must ensure adequate medical facilities and emergency aid are provided to the activist. The bench stressed that maintaining public health standards and safety remains a priority while legal proceedings run their course.
Background of the Maratha Reservation Agitation
Manoj Jarange Patil has been demanding the implementation of Other Backward Class (OBC) benefits for the Maratha community, specifically seeking the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates based on historical records. Following a series of fasts in Jalna district, Jarange issued a deadline to the state government, warning of a massive march into Mumbai if key concessions were not finalized. Manoj Jarange’s Health Worsens on Day 9 of Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota.
Previous agitations in the capital led to severe traffic bottlenecks across arterial roads, prompting local law enforcement and civil society organizations to approach the judiciary for preventative measures. The court is expected to hear further arguments once responses from the state and the activist are formally filed.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2026 04:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
