Maharashtra: The Maratha reservation case is set for another fresh hearing after the Bombay High Court constituted a new bench to examine petitions challenging the 2024 Maratha quota law.
This is the third bench to hear the matter, making it one of the most closely watched legal battles in Maharashtra. The fresh hearing is expected to begin on October 9, according to court proceedings. The development comes after changes in the composition of previous benches delayed the progress of the case.
Why Is The Maratha Reservation Case Being Heard Again
The challenge is directed against the Maharashtra government’s law granting reservation to the Maratha community under the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2024.
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Initially, a full bench was hearing the petitions. Later, a new bench led by Justice Ravindra Ghuge took up the matter and heard extensive arguments over several months. However, Justice Ghuge’s elevation and transfer resulted in the proceedings being interrupted once again. As a result, a fresh bench under Justice Makarand Karnik has now been formed, and the court has indicated that hearings will begin anew from October 9.
What Is The Maratha Reservation Law
The Maharashtra legislature passed the new Maratha reservation law in February 2024.
The law grants 10% reservation to the Maratha community in education and government jobs by categorizing them as a Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC). The legislation was based on recommendations made by the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission.
The state government argued that special circumstances justified the reservation despite the general 50% reservation ceiling established in earlier Supreme Court judgments.
Why Is The Law Being Challenged?
Several petitioners have questioned the constitutional validity of the 2024 reservation law.
The challengers argue that the quota exceeds the reservation ceiling and raises constitutional concerns. They have asked the Bombay High Court to examine whether the law meets legal requirements for granting reservation beyond existing limits. The court is currently considering these arguments and has not yet delivered a final verdict.
Background of the Maratha Reservation Case
The demand for reservation for the Maratha community has existed for decades.
In 2018, Maharashtra enacted a law granting reservation to Marathas. The Bombay High Court later upheld the law but reduced the reservation percentage. However, in May 2021, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court struck down the reservation, ruling that the case did not justify breaching the 50% ceiling on reservations. Following that judgment, Maharashtra introduced the new 2024 legislation, which is now under judicial scrutiny.
Why Maratha Reservation Case Hearing Matters
The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on education admissions, government recruitment, and reservation policy in Maharashtra.
It may also influence future discussions on reservation limits and the criteria used to identify socially and educationally backward communities. The court’s decision is expected to provide clarity on the constitutional validity of the 2024 law.
What Happens Next?
The newly constituted bench is expected to start hearing the matter from the beginning on October 9.
Since the case involves constitutional questions and affects a large section of Maharashtra’s population, legal experts expect detailed arguments from all sides before the court reaches a decision.
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FAQs
The case concerns legal challenges to Maharashtra’s 2024 law that grants 10% reservation to the Maratha community in education and government jobs.
The case is being reheard because the previous bench could not continue after changes in judicial appointments and bench composition. A newly constituted bench will now hear the matter afresh.
The newly formed Bombay High Court bench is expected to commence fresh hearings in the Maratha reservation matter from October 9.
