Bombay High Court Declines Restriction on Maratha Reservation Activist’s Mumbai Entry for Republic Day Hunger Strike

Mumbai, 25th January 2024: The Bombay High Court has rejected a plea seeking to prevent Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil from entering Mumbai for his planned indefinite hunger strike on Republic Day. Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Shaheen Bagh case, the court emphasized the limits on the right to protest and indicated that the state would take measures to maintain law and order.

The division bench, consisting of Justice A S Gadkari and Justice Shyam C Chandak, heard a petition filed by activist Gunratna Sadavarte, expressing concern about the logistical challenges posed by Jarange-Patil’s march to Mumbai involving three crore followers. Sadavarte urged the court to intervene to prevent a situation similar to Pune from arising in Mumbai.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf echoed the concerns, emphasizing the need for responsibility in protests. He suggested halting the march and providing an alternative location outside Mumbai for a peaceful demonstration. Saraf noted the absence of a formal application for permission and deemed an unsigned application invalid.

While appreciating the state’s commitment to address the matter, the bench directed the government to ensure a suitable public space for peaceful protests. The court issued a notice to Jarange-Patil, to be served through the Azad Maidan police station, and scheduled further deliberations on February 14.

Manoj Jarange-Patil advocates for Maratha community reservation from the OBC quota and plans to commence an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai on January 26, either at Azad Maidan or Shivaji Park. Having reached Pune on Tuesday, the activist’s planned hunger strike has sparked legal and logistical concerns, leading to the recent court proceedings.