In a high-voltage drama outside the Bombay High Court here on Monday, Maratha activists threw black ink on Ketan Tirodkar, who has petitioned against the recent decision of Maharashtra government to give 16 per cent reservation to the community.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court was told by the State government that since it has not yet issued a resolution for making any legislation, the decision of 16 per cent reservation has not been implemented. “There is no question of implementing the cabinet decision. Unless there is some law or Government Resolution, there is no point in challenging the Cabinet decision,” Advocate General Darius Khambatta told the division bench of Justices A.S. Oka and A.S. Chandurkar.
The court thus opined that there was no need to expedite the matter under such circumstances. It posted the matter for hearing on July 9, by when the State government has been directed to file a reply.
Outside the court, the activists of Maratha Sangharsha Samiti were protesting against petitioner Mr. Tirodkar. “He is a publicity-hungry person who doesn't want justice for the Maratha community. We told him what he was doing was wrong,” Manish Wadje, president of Maratha Sangharsha Samiti told The Hindu outside the court.
Dilip Patil, who threw the ink on Mr. Tirodkar was immediately taken into custody by the police. But Mr Tirodkar refused to press any complaint against the youth. “I hold nothing against him individually. They are fighting a wrong cause. Why does a wealthy and powerful community like the Marathas need any reservation?” he asked.
The Chief Security Officer of the Bombay High Court detained Mr. Patil for causing mischief in the public place and protesting in the vicinity of the court. “No one is allowed to protest in the vicinity of the court. It is improper behaviour. We have thus detained him under section 112 of the Bombay Police Act,” the Chief Security Officer told The Hindu .
The Wadje of the Samiti claimed that they had filed another petition before the court seeking dismissal of Mr. Tirodkar's PIL and a green signal to the government for the implementation of the Cabinet decision on reservation.
