UPPSC's controversial reservation formula: HC disposes of

The Allahabad High Court today disposed of a writ petition challenging a controversial reservation formula introduced by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC).
The proposal was withdrawn last week after violent protests by students and expressions of disapproval by the state government.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Laxmi Kanta Mohapatra and Justice Rakesh Srivastava disposed of the petition filed by Sudhir Kumar Singh and others observing that "no cause of action remains" in the wake of the UPPSC's decision to cancel the results of examinations which were declared on the basis of the controversial reservation formula.
The controversial reservation formula, as per which caste-based quotas were to be introduced at the stage of written tests itself, was implemented while declaring the results of civil services examinations (Mains) on July 4.

The move evoked vehement protests last month from students and resulted in violent agitations in Allahabad, where the UPPSC headquarters is located.
On July 22, the High Court had reserved its judgement on the issue while restraining the UPPSC from holding interviews on the basis of the impugned examination process.

The court had also ticked off the Commission for having shown "haste" in bringing the new formula into force upon being informed that the new system was adopted through voice vote on the very day a proposal to the effect was introduced by a UPPSC member.
Embarrassed over allegations that the move was aimed at providing benefit to a particular caste group considered close to the ruling Samajwadi Party, the state government claimed that the reservation formula was introduced without taking it into confidence.

Subsequently, UPPSC Secretary was removed last week while explanation was asked from its Chairman and the member who had introduced the proposal.
On July 27, the Commission issued a notification announcing that the impugned examination results stood cancelled and "revised results" would be declared "at the earliest".
An affidavit to the effect was submitted before the court earlier this week.