Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said his government was committed to fulfilling the Maratha community's demand for reservation, but the matter was "stuck in a court battle". "We are prepared to go to any extent to ensure reservation," he said, appealing to the protesting Marathas to hold a dialogue with the government, The Hindu reported.

Thousands of Marathas have been holding demonstrations and silent rallies across Maharashtra. They have demanded a 16% quota as well as amendments to The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Their protests have also been aimed at the gangrape and murder case of a 14-year-old in Ahmednagar district's Kopardi village. Marathas have demanded the accused be sentenced to death.

Fadnavis also lauded the protesters for keeping their rallies peaceful. "The government stands with protesters on several demands; we will be decisive on them," he said, adding that senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who will represent the government in the Kopardi case, will ensure that that rapists get capital punishment.