On July 29, 2024, the Supreme Court of India decided not to grant a stay on the Patna High Court’s ruling that invalidated the Bihar government’s law aimed at increasing the reservation quota from 50 per cent to 65 per cent for various categories. The decision marks a significant setback for the Bihar government and its efforts to amend reservation laws based on a recent caste survey.
BulletsIn
- The Supreme Court declined to stay the Patna High Court’s decision.
- The Patna High Court had struck down a law increasing reservation from 50% to 65%.
- The law was intended for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, SCs, and STs in Bihar.
- The Supreme Court will review the state government’s plea for restoring the quota hike.
- The final hearing of the matter is scheduled for September 2024.
- The Patna High Court’s judgment, delivered on June 20, 2024, deemed the amendments unconstitutional.
- The court found the amendments violated the equality clauses under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution.
- The Bihar government had introduced the amendment following a caste survey.
- The notification for the quota hike was issued in November 2023.
- The increased quota would have raised total reservations to 75%, with specific percentages allocated to various categories.
