An urgent hearing took place on Monday afternoon on a public interest litigation filed by Maratha reservation movement leader Manoj Jarange-Patil against the agitation that has been going on in Mumbai since August 29.
The urgent hearing was held at 1:30 pm before a bench headed by Justice Ravindra Ghuge. The court accepted the petitioners' demand for an urgent hearing on the petition as the Maratha agitation is causing a great deal of inconvenience to Mumbaikars.
Earlier, Jarange had announced to hold a protest in Mumbai demanding reservation. However, Jarange cannot hold this protest without permission. Last week, the Bombay High Court issued an order stating that even if Manoj Jarange is granted permission to protest, an alternative location in Kharghar (instead of Mumbai) should be provided due to the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival. The court emphasised that this was necessary to prevent major traffic congestion and to maintain law and order in Mumbai during the festive period.
Despite this, permission was granted for Jarange to hold his protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Jarange has warned that he will launch the protest in Mumbai during Ganeshotsav if the Maratha reservation demand is not fulfilled.
Due to the timing of the protest, which coincides with the Ganesh festival, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed opposing the protest. On Tuesday, while hearing the PIL, a division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne issued the directive regarding the alternative protest location.
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What the Court Had Said
The court noted that during Ganeshotsav, Mumbai experiences heavy crowds, and if Maratha protesters also gather in large numbers, it could lead to inconvenience for the public. Moreover, the police force, already deployed for festival security, would be put under additional pressure due to the protest.
While suggesting an alternative protest location, the court clearly stated that Kharghar (instead of Mumbai) should be considered as a suitable venue.
The court was informed that Manoj Jarange had not yet obtained official permission for the protest. In response, the court said that he may seek permission from the appropriate authorities, and if granted, the protest must be conducted peacefully.
However, the court emphasised that if permission is granted, given the Ganesh festival and its implications, the government should provide an alternative location in Kharghar rather than allowing the protest in Mumbai.
The court issued a notice to Jarange and scheduled the matter to be heard again after two weeks.