Supreme Court: The Maharashtra government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court anticipating challenge to the verdict passed by the Bombay High Court which upheld the constitutional validity of reservation for Maratha community in education and government jobs in the state. In its plea, the Maharashtra government said no ex-parte order should be passed on any plea challenging the June 27 judgement of the Bombay High Court on Maratha quota without hearing the state.
The High Court, while upholding the constitutional validity of Maratha quota, has directed that it be slashed from the present 16% to 12% and 13%, respectively. The court said the 50% cap on total reservations imposed by the Supreme Court could be exceeded in exceptional circumstances.
It also accepted the Maharashtra government’s argument that the Maratha community was socially and educationally backward, and the government was duty-bound to take steps for its progress. The High Court said while the reservation was valid, its 16% quantum was not justifiable.
The Commission, in its report, had recommended 12% quota in education and 13% in jobs for Marathas.
On November 30, 2018, the Maharashtra legislature passed a bill granting the 16% reservation to the Marathas.
(Source: PTI)