In a setback for Maratha activist Manoj Jarange but a relief for Mumbai citizens, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused permission for his protest at Azad Maidan. The court directed the state government to suggest alternate venues, such as Kharghar in Navi Mumbai or any other suitable site outside Mumbai, subject to proper approvals.

Earlier in the day, Jarange had rejected a request from the chief minister’s office to postpone the agitation. Rajendra Sabale, an officer on special duty (OSD) attached to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s office, personally met Jarange with the appeal. “It is festive time in Mumbai. In order to avoid inconvenience during celebrations, I suggested postponing the agitation for the time being,” Sabale told the media.

Jarange, however, stood firm, declaring he would begin his “final agitation” march to Mumbai on August 27, demanding Maratha reservation under the OBC quota. Later, while hearing petitions against the protest, the high court noted the law-and-order challenges during the Ganpati festival and barred any such agitation in Mumbai.