In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has issued a notice to Manoj Jarange Patil, leader of the Maratha reservation movement, following a petition opposing his ‘unauthorized’ march to Mumbai. The court, responding to Gunaratna Sadavarte’s plea, not only expressed disapproval of the state government’s handling of the agitation but also underscored the necessity to halt the unauthorized march.
Jarange Patil, at the forefront of the Maratha activists’ march towards Mumbai, faces legal scrutiny as the High Court held a hearing based on Sadavarte’s challenge to his protest.
During the hearing, the High Court criticized the state government’s approach to Jarange’s agitation and issued a notice to him. In response, Jarange commented, “Our lawyers will present our case in court, and we believe justice will prevail.”
Sadavarte emphasized the Supreme Court’s rejection of the Maratha community’s backwardness and stressed that Supreme Court judgments hold the weight of law under Article 144. The court unequivocally instructed Jarange to appear and justified the need for a legal application to organize the march.
Sadavarte stated, “The court clearly said that without a proper application, the march cannot proceed. The law is paramount, and Jarange Patil is not above it. He lacks legal standing to enter Mumbai without authorization, and action by the police may be required. The responsibility lies with the Director General of Police, Azad Maidan Police, and DCP Munde. It’s imperative to follow the law rather than ministerial statements.”
