The Bihar government had challenged the high court's ruling, which annulled the state's decision to raise reservations from 50 percent to 65 percent...
Digital Desk: The Supreme Court of India on Monday declined to stay the Patna High Court's recent decision, which had invalidated the Bihar government's increase in reservation quotas for backward classes.
The Bihar government had challenged the high court's ruling, which annulled the state's decision to raise reservations from 50 percent to 65 percent, by filing a petition with the Supreme Court. The apex court has scheduled a detailed hearing on the matter for September.
On June 20, a division bench of the Patna High Court struck down the Bihar Assembly's 2023 amendments, arguing that they exceeded constitutional powers and violated the equality provisions under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Indian Constitution. The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, filed an appeal with the Supreme Court on July 2 in response to this ruling.
The contested Reservation Amendment Bill passed in November 2023, adjusted the state's reservation quotas to include 20 percent for Scheduled Castes, 2 percent for Scheduled Tribes, 43 percent for Other Backward Classes, and a further 10 percent for the Economic Weaker Section, totaling 75 percent. This increase surpassed the 50 percent reservation ceiling established by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court's refusal to issue a stay means the Patna High Court's order remains in effect until a comprehensive review is conducted next month.
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