Court in Mumbai Criticizes State for Failing to Act During Maratha Agitation

In a hearing on the inconvenience caused by the ongoing Maratha reservation protests in Mumbai, the Bombay High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the Maharashtra government's conduct. The court questioned the State's reliance on the influence of Maratha quota activist, Manoj Jarange, instead of enforcing court orders.

Thousands of Maratha supporters, gathered in Mumbai, have been blocking roads and railway stations, causing significant inconvenience to regular commuters. Jarange, who started an indefinite fast at Azad Maidan last week, is at the centre of these protests.

Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf, representing the State, claimed that announcements and banners were made to disperse protestors, but only Manoj Jarange's appeal was effective. However, the court observed that Azad Maidan could have been vacated "forcefully" to comply with earlier court directions and prevent inconvenience to the public.

The Chief Justice expressed his displeasure, stating that the State should have vacated the site forcefully to comply with the court's earlier directions. The court was not satisfied with the State's submission, reprimanding them for relying on Jarange's popularity instead of enforcing court orders.

Jarange's lawyer, Milind Ekbote, claimed that 90% of protestors had left and sought time until Wednesday, promising no untoward incidents would occur. However, the court warned Jarange that he could be held responsible for instigating the crowd beyond permitted limits.

The court has been hearing a PIL on the inconvenience caused by the Maratha reservation protests. On Monday, the High Court expressed displeasure over Maratha protestors causing widespread disruption in South Mumbai. The court indicated that Jarange's continued presence and mass influence could not justify disobedience, especially while the reservation challenge remains pending.

It is worth noting that Odisha Discoms launched a one-kilowatt rooftop solar adoption scheme under the ULA model, which is not directly related to the ongoing legal proceedings in Mumbai.

The court's stern words to the Maharashtra government highlight the need for swift action to restore normalcy in the city. The ongoing protests have caused significant inconvenience to commuters, and it is hoped that the court's intervention will lead to a swift resolution of the issue.