High Court Restricts Manoj Jarange’s Protest in Mumbai, Suggests Alternative at Kharghar – But Jarange Remains Defiant
Mumbai : Despite the Bombay High Court’s order, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has declared that he will continue his protest march towards Mumbai on Wednesday. The court has ruled that no protest can be held without prior permission from authorities and suggested Kharghar as an alternative protest site instead of Azad Maidan.
Manoj Jarange, however, remained firm, stating :
“ No matter how many hurdles the government creates, I will not step back. We are marching towards Mumbai.”
In view of the agitation led by Jarange and the parallel mobilization by OBC leader Laxman Hake in Vadigodri, police security has been tightened in Vadigodri and Antarwali Sarati.
What the High Court Said :
On Tuesday, during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the AIM Foundation, the Bombay High Court clarified that:
- Protesters cannot occupy Azad Maidan indefinitely.
- Any demonstration must be held only with prior official permission.
- With Ganeshotsav beginning, Mumbai police will already be heavily engaged with security arrangements.
The court issued a notice to Jarange, directing him to respond, and scheduled the next hearing on September 2.
Key Points :
- High Court’s Decision: Manoj Jarange-Patil cannot hold an indefinite protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
- Any protest requires prior permission from the concerned authorities.
- The court highlighted that during Ganeshotsav, police security will already be under heavy strain.
- An alternative site at Kharghar may be provided for protesters.
- The next hearing is scheduled for September 2, 2025
State Government’s Stand :
Maharashtra Advocate General Birendra Saraf told the court that the government is not against peaceful demonstrations. However, he stressed that:
- The protest should not paralyze the city.
- During Ganeshotsav, the police face a massive law-and-order burden.
- A large congregation could create serious problems.
Democracy and Dissent :
The division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne observed:
- Democracy and dissent are linked, but protests must take place at designated sites.
- Jarange and his supporters are free to apply for permission from the authorities.
- The government may then, as per law, grant or deny permission.
- As an alternative, the court suggested Kharghar as a protest site.
CM Fadnavis : “ Government Will Not Stop a Democratic Protest ”
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said :
- “Everyone has the right to protest in a democratic manner. The government will not stop anyone.”
- However, he appealed to protesters not to disrupt Ganeshotsav, a major Hindu festival.
- He added that those who consider themselves followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should never use abusive language, especially against women.
Meanwhile, Fadnavis’ OSD Rajendra Sable met Jarange at Antarwali Sarati on Tuesday afternoon for discussions.
Extension for Justice Shinde Committee :
In another development, the Justice Sandeep Shinde Committee, formed to trace old Maratha–Kunbi records, has been granted a six-month extension. The decision was taken in a cabinet sub-committee meeting chaired by Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.
In short :
- The High Court restricted indefinite protest at Azad Maidan.
- Allowed protests only with prior permission, suggesting Kharghar as an option.
- Next hearing is on September 2.
- Jarange patil has vowed to march to Mumbai regardless.
- Government insists on law, order, and no disruption during Ganeshotsav.
