HC Warns Manoj Jarange: Vacate Azad Maidan by 3 PM or Face Action

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September 2, 2025

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The Bombay High Court on Tuesday ordered activist Manoj Jarange and his supporters, staging a protest at Azad Maidan demanding Maratha reservation, to vacate the premises by 3 pm or face strict action.

A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe Jarange warned of contempt proceedings and heavy penalties if the agitators failed to comply. “We want complete normalcy restored by 3 pm, or else we will step in,” the court said, stressing that occupying Azad Maidan without permission was unlawful.

The court also expressed displeasure with the state government, noting lapses in maintaining order. “This is a very serious situation. We are not satisfied with the state government either,” the bench remarked.

Senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, appearing for Jarange, apologised for the misconduct of some supporters and maintained that the activist has always urged peaceful protest. However, the bench reminded that protesters had obstructed the high court on Monday, forcing judges to walk to court.

The matter was posted for further hearing at 3 pm, coinciding with the court’s deadline. Police have already served a notice to Jarange and his supporters, asking them to vacate Azad Maidan immediately.

Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the site since August 29, vowing not to leave Mumbai until his demand for Maratha reservation is fulfilled. On Monday, the court had already criticised the protest, saying it had paralysed Mumbai and violated all conditions imposed by authorities. It had directed Jarange’s group to vacate and clear the occupied streets by Tuesday noon, while also instructing the government and police to act lawfully against the violations.

SC Dismisses Plea Against Nationwide Rollout of 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol

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September 1, 2025

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The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the nationwide rollout of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), despite concerns that millions of motorists are being compelled to use fuel their vehicles may not support.

A bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran rejected the arguments presented by advocate Akshay Malhotra, who had sought directions to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure the continued availability of ethanol-free petrol at all fuel stations.

The Centre opposed the plea, arguing that E20 fuel benefits sugarcane farmers and is a step towards cleaner, sustainable energy. It maintained that the ethanol content at petrol pumps is already being labelled and asserted that the rollout aligns with national energy goals.

The petitioner contended that millions of motorists, particularly those with vehicles manufactured before 2023—and even some newer BS-VI models—face risks of mechanical degradation and efficiency loss due to incompatibility with high ethanol blends. The plea also sought a nationwide impact study on the effects of E20 fuel on non-compliant vehicles, but the Court declined to intervene.

With the Supreme Court’s rejection of the petition, the government’s plan to expand the use of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol across India remains on track.

Punjab Floods Claim 29 Lives, Displace Over 2.5 Lakh in a Month

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September 1, 2025

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Punjab has been devastated by floods that have claimed 29 lives and impacted more than 2.56 lakh people in the past month, officials confirmed on Monday. Pathankot reported the maximum fatalities, while 12 of the state’s 23 districts have been ravaged since August 1 in what authorities describe as one of the worst flood disasters in decades.

The calamity stems from the swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal rivulets, after heavy rains lashed Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Punjab’s own torrential downpours have worsened the crisis, submerging farmlands and villages.

Of the 29 deaths, six were reported in Pathankot. Amritsar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mansa, and Rupnagar recorded three deaths each, while Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Mohali, and Sangrur reported one each. Three people remain missing in Pathankot.

Rescue efforts have been massive, with 15,688 people evacuated to safer zones. Gurdaspur saw the highest rescues (5,549), followed by Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), and Amritsar (1,700). Villages have been badly hit, with 1,044 affected statewide—321 in Gurdaspur, 88 in Amritsar, 94 in Hoshiarpur, and 82 in Pathankot among the worst-hit.

In total, 2,56,107 residents have been impacted. Amritsar tops the list with 35,000 affected, followed by Ferozepur (24,015), Fazilka (21,562), and Pathankot (15,053). Meanwhile, 96,061 hectares of farmland lie submerged, threatening massive agricultural losses.

Authorities report significant livestock casualties, though final figures will emerge only after waters recede. Infrastructure damage is also expected to be substantial.

The state machinery, assisted by the NDRF, SDRF, Army, and Punjab Police, continues round-the-clock rescue and relief operations. Twenty NDRF teams are currently active in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Bathinda.

Bombay HC Orders Eviction of Maratha Quota Protesters from All Areas Except Azad Maidan

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September 1, 2025

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The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Maharashtra government to evict Maratha quota protesters from all locations in Mumbai except Azad Maidan. The Court observed that the agitation had brought the city to a standstill, noting that permission had been granted for only 5,000 participants, but the number of demonstrators had far exceeded that. It further highlighted that no approval was given for an indefinite strike.

The Court will hear the case again on Tuesday and has asked the state government to provide details of the steps taken to control the situation.

Meanwhile, activist Manoj Jarange, spearheading the protest at Azad Maidan, warned that more than five crore Marathas would march to Mumbai if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis fails to accept the community’s quota demand. Accusing the CM of deliberately stalling the decision, Jarange asserted that the government could easily resolve the matter by implementing gazette records from Hyderabad, Satara, and other regions, and recognizing Marathas in Marathwada as Kunbis. According to him, certificates could be distributed by district collectors and tehsildars without delay.

Jarange urged protesters to ensure that ordinary Mumbaikars are not inconvenienced by the demonstrations. However, hundreds of protesters have already gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and surrounding areas, leading to traffic chaos and commuter disruptions. Police diverted traffic near CSMT, while BEST suspended, curtailed, or diverted several bus routes in south Mumbai.

Jarange also claimed that three of his supporters have died since his agitation began on August 29.

PM Modi Urges Putin to End Ukraine War, Stresses Humanity’s Call for Peace

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September 1, 2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine at the earliest, describing it as “humanity’s call” to restore peace. The two leaders held discussions on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the Chinese port city.

In his televised opening remarks, Modi welcomed recent global efforts to bring peace to Ukraine and expressed hope that all stakeholders would move forward constructively. He said the priority must be to achieve lasting peace in the region without further delay.

Modi also noted that India is preparing to host the Russian leader in December for summit talks, highlighting that New Delhi and Moscow have always stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” in difficult times. He stressed that the close ties between the two nations are crucial for global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Bombay HC to Hold Urgent Hearing on Plea Against Maratha Quota Stir in Mumbai

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September 1, 2025

The Bombay High Court on Monday agreed to hold a special hearing on a petition challenging the ongoing agitation in Mumbai led by activist Manoj Jarange, who is demanding reservation for the Maratha community.

Although the court has been on holiday since August 27 for the Ganesh festival and was scheduled to resume on Tuesday, a special bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad decided to hear the matter this afternoon on a plea filed by the Amy Foundation against the protest.

Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan since August 29, demanding a 10 percent quota for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. His protest has drawn thousands of supporters, causing heavy crowding across major junctions in south Mumbai’s business district.

The petitioner had earlier moved the high court last week, arguing that prolonged occupation of public places for protests causes inconvenience to citizens. On August 26, the court had observed that demonstrations cannot continue indefinitely in public spaces and should only be allowed with proper permissions. The bench had also suggested that the government consider granting permission for the protest in Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar area instead.

Authorities initially granted Jarange a one-day permission to hold his protest at Azad Maidan, which was later extended by another day. However, the activist has remained firm, declaring on Sunday that he will not leave Mumbai until his demands are met.

On Monday, the petitioner sought an urgent hearing, raising concerns over the disruptions caused to daily life by the continuing protests.

Seven of Family Buried Alive as Landslide Destroys Home in J-K’s Reasi

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August 30, 2025

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Seven members of a family were buried alive after a landslide flattened their home in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir early on Saturday. Officials confirmed the tragedy occurred in Badder village of Mahore following heavy overnight rains.

The victims have been identified as Nazir Ahmad (38), his wife Wazira Begum (35), and their five sons — Bilal Ahmed (13), Mohd Mustafa (11), Mohd Adil (8), Mohd Mubarak (6), and Mohd Wasim (5). Officials said the family was asleep when the house, located on a hill slope, came under the debris brought down by the landslide.

Locals rushed to the spot and began frantic rescue efforts before being joined by police. However, only the bodies could be recovered from the rubble. The region witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall overnight, triggering the devastating landslide.

Maratha Quota Stir: Protesters at Azad Maidan Slam Poor Facilities Amid Rains

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August 30, 2025

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The Maratha quota agitation at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan entered its second day on Saturday, with protesters braving heavy rains and flooded grounds while voicing concerns over the lack of basic amenities.

Lakhs of supporters have gathered in solidarity with activist Manoj Jarange, who began an indefinite fast on Friday demanding a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

Continuous rainfall since Friday morning worsened conditions for those arriving by trains and other public transport, as puddles formed across the protest site. The situation forced many agitators to spill over near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, causing severe traffic disruptions.

Protesters alleged a shortage of food and claimed that shops around the venue were shut by the authorities. They also raised concerns about inadequate facilities to ensure safety, sanitation, and hygiene on the ground.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), however, stated it had arranged for water drainage, sanitation, and mobility at the protest site. In a release, the civic body said all nearby ‘pay-and-use’ toilets were made free of charge for protesters.

The BMC also claimed to have installed 29 toilets inside Azad Maidan, deployed three mobile toilet units with 10 seats each along Mahatma Gandhi Road, and set up 12 portable toilets near the Metro site. Gravel was also spread on muddy paths to improve accessibility, the statement added.

Cloudbursts and Torrential Rains Ravage Uttarakhand, Rescue Ops Underway

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August 29, 2025

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Heavy rains and cloudbursts battered Uttarakhand early Friday, unleashing landslides that damaged houses, trapped villagers, and blocked highways across Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Tehri districts.

In Chamoli’s Mopata village, a house and cowshed were buried under debris, trapping a couple identified as Tara Singh and his wife. Another couple, Vikram Singh and his wife, were injured, District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed.

Rudraprayag’s Basukedaar area witnessed widespread destruction in several villages. In Dungar and Jaula-Bhadeth, residents went missing after being swept away by landslides and floods. A house in Syur village was damaged and a car washed away, while flooded ravines posed threats to villages including Badeth, Bagaddhar and Taljamani.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he was monitoring the situation closely. “Relief and rescue work is being carried out on a war footing. I am in constant touch with officials and have issued instructions for effective rescue operations,” he posted on X, praying for the safety of residents.

Tehri’s Budha Kedar area also reported heavy destruction, with livestock sheds and temples buried under debris. In Genwali village, landslides damaged homes while rivers Balganga, Dharmganga and Bhilangana swelled dangerously, spreading panic among locals. The irrigation department’s security wall, built after last year’s disaster, was washed away in the floods, villagers said.

The Alaknanda, Mandakini and their tributaries continue to rise, forcing police to issue alerts for those living near riverbanks. Agricultural land, including potato fields, was destroyed under rubble.

Meanwhile, major highways were blocked, stranding pilgrims and travelers. The Badrinath national highway was closed at several points in Chamoli, including Nandprayag, Pagalnala, and Gulabkoti, while Rudraprayag’s Sirobgadh stretch was cut off. The Kedarnath highway was blocked at multiple locations between Syalsaur and Chopta. Authorities have urged pilgrims to travel only after checking official advisories.

Uttarakhand has been repeatedly battered by natural disasters this monsoon. Earlier on August 5, a flash flood in the Kheer Ganga river wiped out large parts of Dharali near Gangotri, killing and sweeping away dozens, including Army personnel and migrant workers. At least 69 people went missing in that tragedy.

Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike at Azad Maidan

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August 29, 2025

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Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Friday launched an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, declaring that he would not leave until the community’s reservation demands were met.

Jarange, 43, arrived at the protest venue around 9.45 am, greeted by thousands of supporters waving saffron flags and donning caps and scarves. Addressing the crowd, he said, “I will not go back until our demands are met. Even if I am shot dead, I will not retreat.”

Criticising the government for its “lack of cooperation,” Jarange said the Maratha community had no option but to march to Mumbai. He urged his followers to cooperate with police and avoid any action that could damage the community’s image. “Clear the streets in two hours and ensure Mumbaikars are not troubled. Those who want to leave the city today can do so,” he instructed.

Jarange lamented that police had granted permission for just one day of protest and announced plans to submit a fresh application. “The government must grant us reservation and accept all our demands. I caution the chief minister against inviting the wrath of the Marathas. You can shoot me or put me in jail, but I will not move until our demands are met,” he said.

The activist has been demanding a 10% quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, insisting that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis—an agrarian caste included in the OBC list—making them eligible for reservation in education and government jobs.

He also assured that his supporters would protest peacefully without disrupting the Ganesh festival. Jarange, who began his march from Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on Wednesday, was welcomed by supporters at Vashi before reaching Azad Maidan.

The Jalna police had earlier allowed Jarange’s march under 40 conditions, including avoiding law-and-order issues, refraining from raising objectionable slogans, and ensuring no disruption of vehicular traffic. Despite precautions, heavy congestion was reported near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) after protesters spilled onto the roads.

Mumbai police have permitted the protest at Azad Maidan only between 9 am and 6 pm on Friday, with restrictions that no more than 5,000 protesters gather and only five vehicles be allowed at the site. Over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed at the ground and additional security has been stationed at CSMT to maintain law and order.