Mumbai: The ongoing Maratha reservation agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil at Azad Maidan took a crucial turn today after a delegation of state ministers assured the protestors that the government will issue a Government Resolution (GR) to implement the Hyderabad Gazette. This step would grant Kunbi status to Marathas from the Marathwada region, paving the way for their inclusion in the OBC quota.

According to officials, the GR is expected to be issued within an hour. The development came soon after the Bombay High Court accepted the agitators’ request for a temporary pause in the protest to allow discussions with the government-appointed sub-committee.

Meanwhile, Maratha leaders at the venue appealed to demonstrators, urging that apart from around 5,000 people stationed at Azad Maidan, the rest should proceed towards Navi Mumbai in compliance with the High Court’s directions.

Earlier in the day, Patil had declared that he would not vacate Azad Maidan “even at the cost of his life,” after police served a notice citing violation of the court’s interim order that had outlined conditions for the protest. In response, police teams began clearing agitators gathered at CSMT railway station, while heavy deployment of security personnel was also seen around BMC headquarters and Kila Court, where officers requested people to leave roads and footpaths to maintain order.

The situation remains tense as protestors await the government’s official resolution, while the administration continues to balance law and order with the demands of the Maratha community.

Thane: The Bombay High Court has directed the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to remove a fish market that has been operating on land earmarked as a road in the 1974 Development Plan (DP). The court further instructed the civic body to ensure that compulsory open spaces are not misused for commercial purposes.

The directive came while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in 2010 by Thane resident Pradip Chandrakant Indulkar, who alleged encroachment and unauthorised commercial activity on a private plot in Panchpakhadi.

According to the PIL, the TMC granted permission to Unit Arsen Developers (UAD) in 1982 to construct a shopping complex on land reserved for a municipal market. However, instead of handing over the complex to the civic body, the developer allegedly sold the shops and commercial spaces to third parties, violating the terms.

Indulkar claimed that when the TMC began demolishing an unauthorised shed in 2006, Congress leader and then-corporator Manoj Shinde obstructed the action, according to a report. A Right to Information (RTI) query later revealed that the shopping complex belonged to Bhadani Brothers through UAD, although no formal agreement was signed with the state government. The building houses shops on the ground floor and a hall and a bank on the upper floors.

The TMC and UAD denied the allegations, stating the land was privately owned and that the construction adhered to norms under the Urban Land Ceiling and Regulation Act, 1976. They added that parts of the land were allocated for roads, open spaces, utilities, and public services.

The bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne observed that while the land was not owned by the state or TMC, the area was earmarked for a market in the DP. The court rejected the demand for the building’s handover to the TMC but found the pay-and-park facility on compulsory open space to be illegal, directing the civic commissioner to act against it, as reported.

Mumbai, October 25, 2023 — In a significant development regarding the ongoing Maratha reservation agitation, the Bombay High Court issued directives today, instructing protestors to vacate the agitation site by 3 PM. The court’s ruling comes in the wake of increasing tensions and disruptions caused by the protests, which have been demanding the restoration of reservations for the Maratha community in government jobs and educational institutions.

The protests began several weeks ago, with thousands of Maratha activists rallying across Maharashtra to voice their demands. The community argues that the lack of reservation has hindered their access to opportunities in public sector employment and education. The Maratha community, which constitutes a substantial demographic in the state, has long been at the forefront of political discussions regarding social justice and affirmative action.

During the proceedings, the bench emphasized the need for maintaining public order and ensuring that the rights of other citizens are not infringed upon. It called for a peaceful resolution to the situation, urging protestors to consider the implications of their continued presence at the site.

“While we understand the significance of the movement, it is imperative to balance the right to protest with the rights of other citizens,” the court stated. The judges underscored that the authorities would provide assistance to ensure a smooth transition and safe evacuation from the protest site.

Following the court’s ruling, leaders of the Maratha community expressed disappointment but reiterated their commitment to the cause. “We respect the judiciary, but we will continue to fight for our rights and the rightful reservation we believe we deserve,” said a prominent leader. Plans for future demonstrations and strategies are already in the discussion among community leaders.

As the deadline approaches, law enforcement agencies are on high alert, ready to intervene if necessary. Many citizens have expressed their concerns about the prolonged protests, hoping for a resolution that benefits both the Maratha community and the state as a whole.

The Maratha reservation issue remains a contentious topic, and it is expected that discussions will continue both in the courts and in public forums in the coming days. Community leaders confirmed that they are exploring all legal avenues to achieve their goals while adhering to the court’s directives.

As the clock ticks toward the 3 PM deadline, the state observes with bated breath, hoping for a harmonious outcome to this pivotal chapter in Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape.