Author and columnist Shobhaa De praised the Bombay High Court’s directive to clear Mumbai roads blocked by Manoj Jarange Patil’s ongoing Maratha protest, calling it “much needed and truly important” for the city’s residents.
While speaking to CNN-News18, De said, “First of all, congratulations to the High Court — this was much needed and truly important.” She further criticised the protestors for disrupting daily life, adding, “They shouldn’t be guided by their bosses. They are creating chaos.”
“Can you bully the city like that—or any other city,” De asked.
Earlier, the columnist shared a video message on her social media platform, describing the situation as “distressing.” She highlighted how staff struggled to reach work, schools were forced to shut, buses were rerouted, and children were left stranded.
“They are terrorising women in cars, thumping on them and asking them to get out. They are drunk, dancing on streets, playing loud music — this is not a protest, it’s nuisance,” she said, warning that Mumbai’s work ethic and daily life were being trampled.
High Court Orders Roads Cleared, Restricts Protest to Azad Maidan
Shobhaa De’s comments came after the Bombay High Court noted that Jarange’s protest demanding reservation for all Marathas had violated conditions and paralysed Mumbai. The court directed authorities to clear all other roads by Tuesday 4 pm, restricting the agitation to Azad Maidan. It also instructed the police to stop additional protesters from entering the city.
The court clarified that Jarange had been granted permission for a one-day hunger strike, not an indefinite fast, and that only 5,000 people were allowed at the venue, though far more gathered. The Maharashtra government has been asked to submit a report on measures taken, with the matter scheduled for a hearing at 3 pm on Tuesday.
Protest Causes Massive Traffic Disruption Across Mumbai
Jarange has been staging a hunger strike at Azad Maidan since Friday, demanding a 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category. Supporters claimed he stopped drinking water from Monday.
The protest, entering its fourth day on Monday, caused severe congestion on arterial roads including DN Road, JJ Marg, and Mahapalika Marg. Commuters at CSMT faced overcrowding, and office-goers reported delays due to agitators stopping vehicles, including BEST buses. Police diverted traffic and the BEST service rerouted or suspended buses approaching the station, while JJ Bridge was closed for heavy vehicles from 9.30 am.
Despite heavy police deployment, protesters ignored security instructions. Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said the government was seeking a “solution that will stand in the court of law,” but Jarange reiterated he will not withdraw until his demand for the 10 per cent quota under OBC is met.