The Maratha reservation agitation spearheaded by activist Manoj Jarange Patil entered turbulent waters on Tuesday after the Bombay High Court termed the stir unlawful and the Mumbai Police issued a formal notice ordering Jarange and his committee to vacate Azad Maidan.

The Azad Maidan Police cited multiple violations of conditions laid down by both the court and the police while granting permission. According to the notice, Jarange’s team not only overstayed the permitted one-day protest but also allowed crowds to swell beyond the 5,000-person limit. Police further pointed out that Jarange’s repeated media statements amounted to breaches of protest conditions.

A day earlier, a Bombay High Court bench had taken strong objection to the continuation of the agitation, observing that “while the right to protest is protected under the Constitution, the stir has far exceeded its limits.” The judges noted that the protest had paralysed life in Mumbai during Ganeshotsav festivities, stressing that ordinary citizens’ lives must return to normalcy.

The bench also directed that no demonstrations be held outside Azad Maidan and ordered police to prevent further groups of protesters from entering the city.

Despite the sharp reprimand, the High Court emphasised humanitarian concerns. It instructed authorities to ensure food and water reached the protesters and ordered that Jarange must be given immediate medical care if his health worsens during his indefinite hunger strike.

Jarange has been on a hunger strike since August 29, demanding 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category. On Sunday, he rejected appeals from a delegation led by retired High Court judge Sandeep Shinde, who urged him to withdraw the protest.