Bombay High Court emphasizes the government’s role amid Maratha quota protests, stating it cannot be a passive observer. The court asserts the government’s authority in maintaining law and order without needing specific court orders. The remarks come in response to a petition filed against the Maratha quota activist’s protests.
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MUMBAI: On 26th February, The Bombay High Court, in response to the Maratha quota protests, emphasized that the Maharashtra government cannot passively observe the situation and possesses the authority to maintain law and order.
Justice A S Gadkari and Shyam Chandak, part of the division bench, clarified that the government doesn’t need court orders to take necessary actions. The court addressed a petition by Gunaratan Sadavarte against the protests led by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange.
Previously, Jarange’s advocate, V M Thorat, assured the court of a peaceful agitation. However, during Monday’s hearing, Sadavarte informed the bench that the protests had escalated into violence in several places across the state. Advocate General Birendra Saraf and public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar, representing the government, informed the court about 267 registered cases of violence in Maharashtra.
The bench asserted-
“It is for the state to take care of the situation. The state cannot be a mute spectator. It has to remove blockades.”
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The High Court made it clear that if the promised peaceful nature of the protests by Jarange is not upheld, the state should “take care of the situation,” emphasizing the government’s responsibility in maintaining order. V M Thorat added to the bench that these issues are inherently political in nature.
