NATIONAL| INDIA, NEW DELHI, MUMBAI, 19^th MARCH, 2026 (GPN/ SACHIN MURDESHWAR  8108510506): Social activist Manohar Jariyal staged a protest at Azad Maidan by undertaking a symbolic hunger strike to draw the government’s attention against the irregularly operating orchestra bars in the jurisdiction of the ‘Q’ Division in the western suburbs, and against the inaction of excise department officials who have allegedly turned a blind eye.

Jariyal’s protest received support from various social and political office-bearers and workers, who expressed their solidarity and backed the hunger strike.

Local residents are reportedly facing inconvenience due to late-night disturbances, loud noise, and heavy vehicular movement caused by these orchestra bars. Social activists have taken the initiative to fight against these issues.

It has been observed that some orchestra bars operating in the Santacruz area under the ‘Q’ Division are violating regulations. Jariyal alleges that despite repeated written complaints to the State Excise Department, no concrete action has been taken so far.

Against this backdrop, social activist and RTI activist Manohar Jariyal sat on a one-day hunger strike at Azad Maidan on March 18 against the Inspector and Sub-Inspector of the State Excise Department’s ‘Q’ Division.

Jariyal has alleged that several orchestra bars, including Lakshdeep, Star Night, Lotus, and Zarna, in the Santacruz ‘Q’ Division area are operating beyond permitted hours. According to rules, bars are allowed to operate only up to a fixed time, but in some places, they reportedly remain open until 5 a.m.

He further alleged that despite multiple written complaints to concerned officials of the ‘Q’ Division, no effective action has been taken. This has also raised suspicions of political patronage for these bars.

Due to the late-night disturbances, loud noise, and traffic congestion, the daily lives of local residents are being disrupted. Manohar Jariyal stated that the hunger strike at Azad Maidan was organized to draw the government’s attention to this issue.