Last year’s protest attracted approximately 5,000 protesters, and cases were filed against some individuals.
Manoj Jarange Patil’s protest permission rejected: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil announced an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on September 19 demanding Maratha reservation. But Mumbai police rejected a fresh application by Jarange’s associates seeking permission to continue their protest.
Authorities issued a notice to Jarange directing him to vacate the Azad Maidan grounds, where he and his supporters have been staging a protest for the past 4 days. The notice also sought explanations for multiple alleged violations, including traffic disruptions, damage to public property and unauthorized activities within the protest site.
Four main reasons for not giving permission:
Security concerns due to Ganeshotsav: Public safety has been given priority in view of large scale Ganeshotsav in Mumbai. A large police force will be deployed for security reasons.
Court orders and new law: Permission cannot be granted under the Supreme Court order in the Amit Sahni case, the Bombay High Court order and Section 46(5)(6) of the Public Meetings, Agitations and Processions Rules, 2025.
Limited venue capacity: As per Jarange Patil’s report around 4,000 to 4,500 protestors will gather in Azad Maidan, which exceeds the capacity.
Last year protest experience: Last year’s protest attracted approximately 5,000 protesters, and cases were filed against some individuals. Furthermore, the applicant’s previous call for a ‘Mumbai Bandh’ raises the possibility of a serious law and order situation.
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