Hyderabad: The Apex court refused to allow Telangana state enhancement of quota beyond 50 % for BCs, SCs and STs in panchayathi raj as well as other local bodies.
The bench headed by Justice RF Nariman and Justice KM Joseph told the state counsel that under no circumstance can the state cross the 50% reservation cap fixed earlier by the apex court, TOI reports.
Following the refusal, the state government withdrew it’s plea petition of enhancement of quota seats this Friday. It has earlier stated that this permission was essential as the population of BCs, SCs, and STs is higher in the state.
The state government was seeking permission for 34% reservations for BCs, 24% to SCs and 9% to STs making the total quantum of quota to 67%.
As per Supreme Court’s judgement no reservation can exceed 50% in any state under no circumstances.
Now the state is left with only one option and that is to put pressure on the Centre to bring in a legislation that allows the Centre and states to increase quotas.
With sarpanch and local nobody elections just around the corner, the state will have to reduce BC reservation form 34% to 17% since the reservation for SCs and STs is in proportion to their population as mandated by Article 243 of the Constitution.
Article 243 (f) of the Constitution mandates reservation for SC and STs according to the population.