Mumbai: The ongoing Maratha quota protest in Mumbai has drawn sharp political attention following remarks by the Bombay High Court calling for protesters to vacate city streets. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut strongly criticised the court’s comments, accusing the judges of acting like BJP spokespersons and asserting that "Mumbai won’t be vacated, High Court judges are working like the BJP’s spokespersons."

The Bombay High Court labelled the Maratha quota agitation, led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, as disruptive and non-peaceful, urging the protesters to clear all areas of Mumbai except the designated Azad Maidan by Tuesday. The city has virtually come to a halt due to large-scale demonstrations demanding a 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has vowed to enforce the High Court’s directive but remains engaged in dialogue with protest leaders. Manoj Jarange, the Maratha quota agitation leader, has amplified pressure by undertaking a hunger strike, warning that over five crore Marathas could converge on Mumbai if their demands are ignored.

The unrest has caused widespread disruption across South Mumbai’s commercial hubs, with traffic snarls and business losses reported. The protest is also increasingly drawing responses from other political leaders and community groups, reflecting complex social dynamics involving reservation policies and regional identity.