Bombay HC Directs State to Notify Rules for Morchas & Public Meetings by April

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to notify regulations for public meetings, agitations, and processions in South Mumbai by the second week of April 2025 and ensure their strict implementation.

As per the proposed rules, only a designated section of Azad Maidan—opposite the BMC headquarters—will be allowed for dharnas, protests, morchas, and public gatherings, while such activities will be banned in the rest of South Mumbai.

The ruling comes in response to a 1997 petition by the Nariman Point Churchgate Citizen’s Association, which sought to curb public disturbances on J N Tata Road near Mantralaya. The HC had earlier suggested allowing protests only at Azad Maidan, but the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) raised concerns over damage to cricket pitches due to large gatherings.

The state government had started framing regulations under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, but the rules remained unnotified for five years. Expressing displeasure over the delay, the HC remarked that it felt “guilty” for the case remaining pending for 28 years.

Additional Government Pleader Abhay L Patki informed the court that the rules have now been finalized and will be notified within two weeks. The court also granted petitioners the right to challenge the rules if they find them unsatisfactory.