What is the Latest on the Telangana HC's Consolidation of Petitions in BC Quota Case?
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Synopsis
The Telangana High Court has consolidated petitions concerning the 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies. With significant implications for upcoming local elections, this case raises questions about legal limits and political support. Key government representatives are actively involved in presenting the state's case.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana High Court consolidates petitions on BC reservations.
- 42% reservation for Backward Classes is under scrutiny.
- Legal arguments challenge the Supreme Court verdict's cap.
- Political figures are actively supporting the BC quota.
- Upcoming local body elections may be influenced by the court's decision.
Hyderabad, Oct 8 (NationPress) The Telangana High Court has consolidated all petitions regarding the 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh has commenced the hearing of petitions that challenge the Government Order (GO) providing a 42 percent quota for Backward Classes (BCs).
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the government, presented the case.
The Chief Justice emphasized that all related petitions would be heard together and requested information on a petition filed in the Supreme Court regarding the same issue, noting that the Apex Court had dismissed it, forwarding the case to the High Court.
Petitioners B. Madhava Reddy and S. Ramesh have challenged GO - 9, which established the 42 percent reservations for BCs in local bodies, arguing that it contravenes the Supreme Court's ruling in the Indra Sawhney case, which limited vertical reservations to 50 percent.
With the Telangana government increasing the BC quota from 25 percent to 42 percent, the cumulative reservations (including 15 percent for SCs and 10 percent for STs) total 67 percent, exceeding the 50 percent cap established by the Apex Court, as noted by the petitioners' counsel.
Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy informed the court that the government has already amended Section 285-A of the Panchayat Raj Act to increase the BC quota. However, the petitioners' counsel pointed out that the Governor has not yet given consent to the two Bills passed by the Telangana Assembly that amended the Panchayat Raj Act.
Over the past two days, various politicians have approached the High Court to intervene in support of the BC quota.
Presenting petitions were CPI MLA K. Sambasiva Rao, BJP MP R. Krishnaiah, and Congress leaders Charan Kaushik and Indira Shobhan, among others.
Other notable petitioners include V. Hanumanth Rao, a senior Congress leader, former IAS officer Chiranjeevulu, and Mettu Sai Kumar, chairman of the Telangana Fisheries Corporation, all seeking to support the BC quota.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy convened a meeting with several Ministers to strategize key arguments for presentation before the High Court.
Attendees included Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, and V Srihari, along with AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan and TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud.
Chief Minister Reddy requested Abhishek Manu Singhvi to advocate on behalf of the government.
The meeting addressed the potential effects of the hearing on upcoming local body elections, which have already been scheduled.
Rural local body elections will take place in five phases during October and November.
Point of View
The consolidation of petitions by the Telangana High Court highlights the ongoing debate over reservation policies in India. This case underscores the tension between legal limits and the political dynamics at play, particularly as local body elections approach. It is essential for the judiciary to navigate these complexities while upholding constitutional mandates.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Telangana HC's ruling on BC quota?
The ruling will determine the legality of the increased reservation for Backward Classes, which could affect local body elections and the representation of various communities.
Who are the key figures involved in this case?
Key figures include Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy, and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the state government.
How does the current BC quota affect total reservations?
The increase from 25% to 42% brings total reservations to 67%, surpassing the Supreme Court's mandated cap of 50%.
What actions have politicians taken regarding the BC quota?
Several politicians have filed petitions to support the BC quota, indicating a strong political interest in the outcome of this case.
When are the local body elections scheduled?
The elections for rural local bodies are set to occur in five phases during October and November.
