The bench said it expects complete normalcy restored in Mumbai by the deadline and made clear that the protesters have no legal right to occupy the Maidan without permission.
A bench of acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe said the situation was “very serious” and noted lapses on the part of the Maharashtra government in managing the agitation.
The court highlighted that protesters had previously obstructed access to the high court and paralysed parts of the city, urging Jarange and his supporters to vacate the area immediately.
Senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, appearing for Jarange, tendered an apology for the misbehaviour of some supporters on city streets, asserting that the activist had strived from day one to ensure no citizen was troubled.
The court reiterated that after 3 pm, “we will not allow anyone there at Azad Maidan” and posted the matter for further hearing later in the day.Jarange, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan since August 29, has insisted he will not leave Mumbai until his demands for Maratha reservation are met. On Monday, the HC had described the protest as unlawful and disruptive, giving Jarange and his supporters a chance to clear the streets and comply with conditions by Tuesday noon.
Following HC’s Monday order, Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued a notice asking Jarange and his team to vacate Azad Maidan at the earliest, reiterating that continuation of the agitation violated both police and high court guidelines.
