A bunch of pleas challenging the Constitution Amendment giving 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker section in jobs and education reached the Supreme Court but were adjourned for April 8. The pleas called the declared reservation against the basic structure of the Constitution and raised concerns that it violates the “equality code of the Constitution” as a reservation on economic grounds cannot be restricted to general category.
Advocates from the Petitioners’ (many individuals and NGOs) side requested the bench comprising Justice S A Bobde and Justice S Abdul Nazeer not to delay the case as they believe it can lead to “massive appointments”. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for one of the petitioners, also requested the setting up of a five-judge Constitution Bench to hear the case.
The apex court on March 11 said that it will make a decision on whether the pleas challenging the 10 per cent Quota Bill should be heard by the Constitution Bench. The SC also earlier refused to stay the implementation of the 10 per cent reservation given to the economically weak in jobs and education.
