Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has ordered Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange, organiser Virendra Pawar, and their association to vacate the streets of Mumbai by Tuesday noon, observing that they have prima facie violated the conditions of the permission granted for a peaceful protest.

The court noted that Jarange and his followers no longer hold valid permission to protest at Azad Maidan, and the state is expected to follow due process of law to restore normalcy.

A special bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad emphasized the need to prevent disruption in the city, especially during the Ganpati festival. The judges stated that the respondents must clear the streets and vacate the area by Tuesday forenoon. The court was hearing a petition filed by Amy Foundation seeking action against Jarange and his supporters for violating court orders and the new Rules on Regulating Public Gatherings and Agitations.

On August 26, the HC had restrained Jarange from holding protests without prior permission from the competent authority, highlighting that public spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely.

Though the police granted permission for August 29 for a single-day protest with a limit of 5,000 participants, over 25,000 protestors entered the city.

The court also directed the state to prevent any further protesters from entering Mumbai and to monitor Jarange’s health, ensuring adequate medical assistance if required. Compliance with the court’s directions and the 2025 Rules will be checked on September 2. The bench expressed hope that the respondents would follow the law and the August 26 order.