Maharashtra govt to move SC on Maratha, Muslim quotas

To set up all party committee, legal expert cell, cabinet sub-committee to pursue the matter

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Maharashtra on Saturday decided to challenge the Bombay High Court's order, which stayed 16 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the Marathas and 5 per cent quota in jobs for Muslims, in the Supreme Court.

However, the high court, in its interim order on Friday, had upheld the previous government's decision to provide 5 per cent quota in education to the Muslim community in state-owned or aided educational institutions.

The government would also set up an all-party committee to remove the anomalies in the quota system, as pointed out by HC.

These decisions were announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after his meeting leaders of political parties, government officials and legal experts. He also announced the setting up of a Cabinet sub-committee to take up the matter.

The Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government had granted the 16 per cent reservation to the Marathas on the basis of the recommendations of a committee, headed by former state Industries Minister Narayan Rane in February. The committee was formed after the state government rejected a report by Justice R M Bapat Committee, which had argued against reservation for the Marathas.

 

The High Court in its order pointed out that the Supreme Court bench had capped reservations at 50% while announcing its decision. The new Maratha and Muslim quotas would have taken the total to 73%. 

 

The High Court said that 52% reservation was in place in public employment in Maharashtra for backward classes under a 2001 State Reservation Act.