HC Cracks Down on Maratha Stir, Ultimatum to Vacate Azad Maidan by 3 PM

The Bombay High Court today came down heavily on Maratha quota protesters, setting a strict 3 p.m. deadline for activist Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters to vacate Azad Maidan.

Earlier in the day, the bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe had directed the authorities to clear city streets by noon, citing massive disruption caused by the agitation. Calling the situation “very serious,” the court warned that failure to comply would invite contempt proceedings and imposition of exemplary costs.

Despite the court’s stern warning, Jarange declared that he would not leave Azad Maidan even at the cost of his life.

Acting on the court’s order, Mumbai Police issued a formal notice asking protesters to vacate the protest site, pointing out violations of the original permission terms.

The standoff continued through the afternoon, with the city bearing the brunt of the fourth consecutive day of agitation. Major traffic snarls were reported in South Mumbai, including Marine Drive, DN Road and P. D’Mello Road, while rail services at CSMT were affected.

As tensions mounted, a cabinet sub-committee of Maharashtra ministers met Jarange at Azad Maidan to defuse the situation. The government has reportedly agreed to issue a Government Resolution, recognizing Marathas as Kunbi, thus making them eligible for OBC reservation benefits. It also promised withdrawal of all police cases against protesters.

Following these assurances, Jarange announced, “We have won,” adding that the protest would end and Azad Maidan would be vacated by 9 p.m.

The Bombay High Court, in an urgent yesterday, directed that Mumbai streets blocked by Maratha quota protesters must be fully vacated by Tuesday noon, emphasising that large-scale obstruction of public roads cannot be sustained.

Hearing date: September 2, 2025

Bench: Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe