Pune: Petitioners Seek Removal of S.M. Joshi Bridge Protest Within 12 Hours, Warn of Contempt Action

Navi Peth, 9th October 2026: Two petitioners in a Bombay High Court case concerning protests on Pune’s public roads and bridges have issued a notice to Pramod Dattatray Patil, seeking the removal of the ongoing protest at S.M. Joshi Bridge near Patrakar Bhavan within 12 hours of receiving the notice.

The notice, dated October 9, has been issued by Amit Balu Supekar and Sourabh P. Virkar, petitioners in Writ Petition No. 13357 of 2026. It calls on Patil to comply with assurances and directions that, according to the petitioners, were recorded in the High Court’s October 7 order.

The petitioners have warned that they will approach the High Court and initiate contempt proceedings if the protest continues beyond the stipulated period in the manner alleged in the notice.

Notice Cites Court Assurances and Police Communication
According to the notice, the petition was filed on October 6 over difficulties allegedly faced by residents and commuters because of protests being held without permission on public roads and bridges.

The petitioners state that Patil’s counsel, Mayur Khandeparkar, assured the court during the October 7 hearing that Patil would seek a suitable alternative protest site from the authorities if required and would not cause inconvenience to the public.

The notice further states that the court recorded assurances that protests would continue lawfully at locations for which permission had been obtained, without blockading public roads or bridges. It also says the court directed the State to take reasonable steps to maintain the free flow of traffic.

Citing a separate October 7 communication from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Branch, Pune City, the petitioners say police refused permission for the protest at Ladkat Chowk/S.M. Joshi Bridge and directed that the site be vacated immediately.

According to the notice, police indicated that a written application for an alternative location, such as the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar statue premises or the Pune Collector’s Office, would be considered favourably.

Petitioners Allege Obstruction and Late-Night Loudspeaker Use
The petitioners allege that the bridge and adjoining road remained obstructed by a large gathering as of October 9. They also allege loudspeaker use between approximately 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., restrictions on residents’ movement, and instances of ambulances being stopped and checked before being allowed to pass.

Besides seeking removal of the gathering and relocation to an authorised site, the petitioners have demanded unobstructed passage for emergency vehicles, compliance with applicable noise rules, and a written response through Patil’s advocate outlining the steps taken.

The next hearing in the writ petition is scheduled for November 25, 2026.