Day 10 Admission Arguments

February 5th 2020

The Supreme Court is hearing an appeal to a 2019 Bombay High Court judgment that upheld the constitutionality of the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018 (‘SEBC Act’). The SEBC Act prescribes 16% reservations for Marathas in education and public employment in the State of Maharashtra.

Yesterday, a three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice Bobde referred the matter to the Bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and Deepak Gupta on the issue of granting interim relief. The petitioners had highlighted that the State has begun to implement the Act. The petitioners urged the Court to reach an interim arrangement, while the Act is under challenge.

No interim relief

Today, in a very brief hearing, the Bench declined to pass any interim orders. It said it would hear oral arguments on March 17th. Justice Nageswara Rao stressed that all pleadings should be completed by then, as no further adjournments would be granted.

Gaikwad Commission Report to be published online

The State of Maharashtra submitted that the Gaikwad Commission Report will be published along with annexures online. The Commission’s report recommended 12% and 13% reservation for Marathas in educational institutions and appointments in public services, respectively.

(Court reporting by Ila Sheel)