Will the Supreme Court Hear the Plea Against Maratha Quota Law in July?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the Bombay High Court's ruling on the Maratha quota law. This case could reshape the reservation landscape for the Maratha community and has implications for educational and employment opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates!
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court to review plea on Maratha quota.
- Bombay High Court's interim order remains.
- 10% reservation for Maratha community at stake.
- Previous quota laws faced challenges in court.
- Legal implications for reservation policies.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has consented to evaluate a plea in July that contests the ruling made by the Bombay High Court. This ruling mandated that the interim measure from last year, which permits the Maratha community to benefit from a 10 percent reservation in educational institutions and public employment, remain in effect.
Following a lawyer's request for urgent attention, a Bench consisting of Justices K.V. Viswanathan and N.K. Singh confirmed that the plea will be scheduled for consideration upon the court's re-opening post-July 14.
In a ruling delivered on June 11, the Bombay High Court allowed the Maratha community to temporarily access the 10 percent reservation, pending the final resolution of petitions disputing the legitimacy of the controversial Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2024.
The SEBC Act, which grants a 10 percent quota to the Maratha community, was enacted by the prior Eknath Shinde-led government in February of last year after the Justice (retd) Sunil Shukre-led Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) concluded that "exceptional circumstances and extraordinary situations exist" justifying the quota exceeding the 50 percent limit.
Importantly, the Supreme Court previously invalidated a similar quota law passed by the Maharashtra legislature in 2018 for violating the 50 percent cap established in the landmark Indra Sawhney case from 1992.
A five-judge Constitution Bench, in its ruling from May 2021, stated that it could not identify any exceptional circumstances warranting a 12-13 percent reservation for the Maratha community and subsequently nullified the Maharashtra Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has asserted that states lack the authority to compile lists for socially and educationally backward classes, affirming that only the President possesses the exclusive power to designate a community as backward.
The court also rejected a review petition from the Maharashtra government that sought to revisit this judgment. Prior to this, it dismissed a request from the Union government for reconsideration of the May 5, 2021, ruling.
Point of View
We must recognize the complexity surrounding the Maratha quota issue. It is essential to ensure that all voices are heard as we navigate the legal and social ramifications of this case. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing will play a crucial role in determining the future of reservations and social equity in India.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maratha quota law?
The Maratha quota law allows the Maratha community to obtain a 10 percent reservation in educational institutions and public employment in Maharashtra.
Why was the plea filed?
The plea was filed to challenge the Bombay High Court's decision to uphold the interim order permitting the Maratha community's reservation.
When will the Supreme Court hear the plea?
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the plea in July, after the court reopens post-July 14.
What did the Bombay High Court rule?
The Bombay High Court ruled that the interim order allowing the Maratha community's reservation remains in force pending the outcome of petitions challenging its validity.
What are the implications of this case?
The outcome could significantly impact the reservation system in Maharashtra and the rights of various communities regarding educational and employment opportunities.
