With the proposed Constitution Day padyatra at Azad Maidan due to begin on November 24, 2026, the Bombay High Court has issued notice to the Maharashtra Government on a social workers’ trust’s plea and asked the State to respond by November 18.
Mumbai: A vacation Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued notice to the State, returnable on November 18, 2026, on a plea to hold a Constitution Day padyatra, conference and campaign at Azad Maidan from November 24 to 26 to mark the 77th Constitution Day, finding that the petition “requires consideration” [The Democratic Forum of Social Workers v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.].
The order of November 9, 2026 was passed by a vacation Bench of Justice Advait M. Sethna and Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale.
Notice issued, reply due on the next date
Having heard both sides, the Bench recorded:
“Having heard Ld. Counsel for the parties and on perusal of the record, in our opinion, the matter requires consideration.”
Additional Public Prosecutor S.V. Gavand accepted a copy of the petition served in court and waived service of notice for the State. The State has been asked to take instructions and file its reply, if any, on or before the next date, November 18, 2026, which falls less than a week before the proposed event. The Court has not expressed any view on whether permission should be granted.
What the trust has asked for
Dr. Pravin Singhal, appearing in person for The Democratic Forum of Social Workers, described as a registered trust, moved the petition on grounds of urgency. According to the petition, the trust wishes to organise a campaign, conference and padyatra at Azad Maidan from November 24 to November 26, 2026, marking the 77th Constitution Day, which falls on November 26.
The petitioner told the Court that the event needs elaborate and detailed preparations.
Why the order matters
Permission disputes over Azad Maidan, Mumbai’s designated ground for public gatherings and demonstrations, regularly reach the High Court. By issuing notice and fixing a date ahead of November 26, the Court has kept open the possibility of a timely decision on whether a citizens’ group can mark Constitution Day with a public assembly there, a question that touches the freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly under Article 19.
Case Title: The Democratic Forum of Social Workers, through Dr. Pravin Singhal v. State of Maharashtra & Ors. [Writ Petition No. 5796 of 2026]
Bench: Justice Advait M. Sethna and Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale (Vacation Court), Bombay High Court
Date of Order: November 9, 2026
Petitioner: Dr. Pravin Singhal, in person
For the State: S.V. Gavand, APP
