[Maratha Reservation] Will Follow Shaheen Bagh Order On Protests, Prevent Road Blockages: State To Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court recorded the Maharashtra Government's statement on Wednesday that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent the blockage of public roads or inconvenience to commuters during the Maratha Reservation protests.

The court issued notice to activist Manoj Jarange Patil returnable on February 14, 2024.

Patil, who has been advocating for Maratha Reservation from the OBC quota, began a protest from Jalna on January 20 and is likely to reach Mumbai on January 26. Patil claims he will begin his indefinite hunger strike for reservation on that day.

A division bench comprising Justices AS Gadkari and Shyam Chandak were hearing a petition filed by one Gunratan Sadavarte against the protest.

The State informed the court that so far no permission has been taken for protest at a particular place. AG Birendra Saraf on instructions submitted that the State will follow the legal position enunciated by the Supreme Court in the case of Amit Sahni (Shaheen Bagh, In Re) Vs. Commissioner of Police And Ors, (2020), and in particular para Nos.17 to 19 and 21 thereof.

“He submitted that, the State will take all necessary measures to prevent blockage of public way/ways, which may cause inconvenience to the commuters due to the said agitation by Respondent No.9. That, if deem necessary, the State may make an endeavor to allot appropriate designated place(s) to Respondent No.9 in Criminal Writ Petition No.188 of 2024 (Jarange Patil) for conducting peaceful agitation. That, if need arises the State will adopt necessary measures to avoid breach of public peace and to maintain law and order situation,” the court noted.

Matter to be heard next on February 14.

Click Here To Read/Download Order