Mumbai Police Deny Permission for Manoj Jarange Patil Hunger Strike

Mumbai Police on Sunday denied permission for Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil to hold an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan starting September 19. In a six page refusal letter, police cited security concerns related to the Ganeshotsav festival and the potential for traffic and public order disruptions. Authorities also referenced previous protests led by Jarange Patil where crowds exceeded permitted limits and affected movement around the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus area.

Jarange Patil, whose hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati entered its 16th day on Sunday, responded by escalating his protest and announcing he would stop taking water, saline, and medical treatment. He accused the Maharashtra government of high handedness and dictatorship, questioning why the authorities presume rules will be violated before the agitation begins. He also alleged that there is a conspiracy to have him shot during his planned march to Mumbai, claiming that individuals linked to ruling parties might be sent to provoke violence. These allegations of a plot have not been independently verified.

The police decision follows a Friday ruling by the Bombay High Court, which declined to issue pre emptive directions to stop the march. The court stated that the state machinery is capable of handling such situations and noted that the right to protest is protected in a democracy. Jarange Patil has stated that his legal team will challenge the police order.