India

Bihar Government Challenges Patna High Court Over Quota Amendment

In a significant legal development, the Bihar government has taken its stance on the reservation issue to the Supreme Court, challenging a recent decision by the Patna High Court.

Filed on Wednesday through advocate Manish Kumar, the petition contests the High Court’s ruling that struck down Bihar’s amendment Acts of 2023.

These Acts aimed to elevate reservation quotas from 50 percent to 65 percent for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs).

The state’s amended Acts allocated 20 percent for SCs, 2 percent for STs, 25 percent for EBCs, and 18 percent for OBCs, with the intent to enhance opportunities in government jobs and educational institutions for these historically marginalized communities.

The legal dispute however stemmed from a petition filed by Gaurav Kumar in the Patna High Court, arguing that exceeding the 50 percent reservation limit set by the Supreme Court in previous rulings was unconstitutional.

The High Court, in its detailed 87-page order dated 20 June, deemed the amendments unconstitutional on grounds of violating the fundamental Right to Equality.

Citing the landmark Indira Sawhney case precedent, the court further emphasized that any reservation exceeding 50 percent requires exceptional justification, which it found lacking in Bihar’s case.

The state’s decision to augment reservation quotas followed a comprehensive caste survey initiated by Bihar after the central government expressed limitations in conducting a broader caste census beyond SCs and STs.

This move by Bihar, aimed at addressing long-standing disparities, now faces a critical legal test at the highest judicial level in India.

Also Read: ‘Bhole Baba’ Evades Capture After Hathras Stampede Kills 121

Mankrit Kaur

Recent Posts

Mallikarjun Kharge Slams ‘Batenge Toh Katenge’ Slogan During Jharkhand Campaign

Kharge emphasized that the BJP leaders promote divisive rhetoric as part of their agenda. He…

34 mins ago

Police Arrest Two In Fake Marriage Certificate Racket In Name Of Arya Samaj

DCP Nagar Abhishek Bharti revealed that five couples, including Shivani and Shrikant Yadav, recently filed…

1 hour ago

India And Nigeria Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation In Second Strategic Dialogue

Doval and Ribadu held detailed talks on challenges linked to terrorism and radicalization, including those…

2 hours ago

Ola Electric’s Share Hits All-Time Low Of Rs 74 Ahead Of Q2 Results

Analysts predict that the stock could drop closer to the Rs 70 mark. Ola Electric…

3 hours ago

US Election: Voting Begins With First Ballots Cast In New Hampshire

This election is one of the most divisive in US history. Harris and Trump have…

3 hours ago

Waqf Bill: Opposition MPs Meet LS Speaker, Lodge Protest Against JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal

Opposition members alleged that Pal calls JPC meetings without consulting them and restricts their opportunity…

3 hours ago