Bihar’s Reservation Battle Reaches Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a series of petitions filed by the Bihar government, challenging a Patna High Court decision that quashed the state’s recent amendment increasing reservation quotas from 50% to 65%. This legal battle has far-reaching implications for the representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), extremely backward classes (EBCs), and other backward classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.
Court Proceedings and Interim Relief
A bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud acknowledged the significance of the issue and agreed to list the matter for a full hearing. However, the court declined to grant any interim relief to the Bihar government, meaning the High Court’s ruling striking down the increased quotas will remain in effect until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict.
Controversial Quota Increase and Legal Challenges
The controversy stems from the Bihar government’s decision to expand reservation quotas following the release of a caste-based survey in 2022. This move, which raised the total reservation to 75% when combined with the 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), was met with legal challenges arguing that it violated the constitutional principle of equal opportunity.
Key Takeaways:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Dispute | Bihar government’s appeal against Patna High Court ruling on reservation quotas |
| Supreme Court Action | Agreed to hear the case but denied interim relief |
| Central Issue | Legality of increasing reservation quotas beyond the existing 50% limit |
| Implications | Significant impact on the representation of disadvantaged communities in government jobs and education |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
