Mumbai’s streets are buzzing with chaos as the Bombay High Court steps in to tackle unauthorised Mumbai protests. On September 1, 2025, the court ordered the Maharashtra government to clear protestors from city streets by 4 p.m. the next day, limiting demonstrations to Azad Maidan only.
Protests spill beyond allowed zone
The court acted after reports showed thousands of Maratha quota activists, led by Manoj Jarange-Patil, flooding areas like CSMT and Flora Fountain. Originally, only 5,000 protestors were allowed at Azad Maidan for a single day, but the crowds grew much larger, ignoring the rules. Videos of protestors climbing traffic signals, playing games on streets, and damaging heritage sites sparked outrage, with the court calling the situation ‘untenable.’
Court demands order restored
Justices Ravindra V. Ghuge and Gautam A. Ankhad stressed that Mumbai’s daily life must not suffer. They reminded organisers of the August 26 rules, limiting protests to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Azad Maidan. The court questioned why extra protestors weren’t stopped and banned further influx into the city, aiming to ease traffic and disruptions.
Jarange’s hunger strike raises concerns
Manoj Jarange-Patil, fasting to demand Maratha reservations, refused to accept the government’s notice about rule violations. The court noted his hunger strike wasn’t permitted and urged the state to monitor his health closely, allowing temporary food and water deliveries to Azad Maidan. Despite his defiance, the court insisted on compliance to protect Mumbaikars.
Protestors’ complaints about amenities
Lawyers for the protestors, led by Shriram Pingle, argued that Azad Maidan lacks proper facilities, citing power cuts and closed toilets. The court acknowledged these concerns but firmly directed organisers to clear unauthorised protestors from streets immediately, with a follow-up hearing set for 3 p.m. on September 2.
Mumbai’s struggle for normalcy
The protests have hit Mumbai hard, with traffic jams and business losses reported. The court’s orders aim to balance the right to protest with the city’s need to function. As the Maratha quota debate continues, the focus remains on keeping peace and order in India’s financial capital.
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