Maratha quota stir: Manoj Jarange-led protest not peaceful, paralysed city, says Bombay HC

NEW DELHI: The Bombay high court on Monday said the Manoj Jarange-led Maratha quota protest has violated conditions, calling it “not peaceful” and noting that the entire city had been brought to a standstill, with vital areas in South Mumbai surrounded by protesters, news agency PTI reported. The protest, now in its fourth day, has drawn an estimated 35,000–45,000 participants, arriving in over 650 vehicles including trucks and tempos, stretching from Azad Maidan to Hutatma Chowk and P D’Mello Road. Traffic diversions have been imposed across South Mumbai. Roads outside CSMT were closed, with JJ Marg traffic rerouted via MRA Marg police station to the Police Commissioner’s office and onwards to Metro Cinema junction.

Eastern Freeway traffic may also be diverted and north-bound DN Road vehicles are being directed towards Fashion Street and Metro Cinema.

At CSMT, protestors sought shelter from rain, but train operations continued normally thanks to RPF and GRP deployment. Intercity trains remain on schedule, though officials warned of possible short delays due to road congestion. Protest leader Manoj Jarange Patil, continuing his indefinite hunger strike, announced he would stop drinking water from Monday to intensify his agitation.

“Till Marathas get reservation under the OBC quota, we will not leave Mumbai,” he said, urging followers to remain peaceful and advising them not to give money to middlemen.CM Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that while the government was committed to addressing community concerns, it could not act against the Constitution.