Bombay High Court Criticizes 'Reckless Pleadings' in Maratha Reservation Case

The Bombay High Court expressed regret over 'reckless pleadings' in petitions challenging Maharashtra's decision to grant reservation to the Maratha community. With key arguments lined up, the court highlighted the case's far-reaching impact on the state's populace. Dispute continues over the 10% reservation and the commission's role.

The Bombay High Court on Monday reproached certain 'reckless pleadings' in petitions that contested the Maharashtra government's decision to allocate reservations to the Maratha community.

A full bench highlighted the seriousness of the matter, citing potential impacts on a large segment of the state's population. The court began final hearings on multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2024, which grants a 10% reservation to Marathas in government jobs and education.

Among the contentious issues were the establishment of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, led by retired Justice Sunil Shukre, and its report recommending the reservation. Petitioners argued that the Maratha community didn't qualify as 'backward' and claimed that the state had surpassed the 50% reservation cap. The bench slated to decide on including the commission as a party respondent, after some petitioners leveled allegations against its members.

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