SC seeks centre’s opinion on plea challenging economic reservation quota

The Supreme Court has sought the central government’s opinion on a plea challenging the government’s recent decision to provide nearly ten per cent reservation to the economically backward people belonging to the general category.

The central government has been asked to submit its response on the issue within the timeframe of three weeks.

The case that has led to this action has been filed by a non-governmental organisation, Youth For Equality. Before the bench comprising of  Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, senior advocate Senthil Jagadeesan has represented the petitioner.

The petitioner has argued that the government’s decision to provide reservation on the basis of economic condition violated a nine-judge bench’s order that economic backwardness should not be considered as the sole basis for reservation. The petitioner has also pointed out that the decision violated the basic features of the constitution.

The case is likely to trigger serious discussion across the case.

Earlier, when the central government launched the economic reservation policy itself, several experts reminded the government that it had many flaws and could be easily challenged in the court. Moreover, a section of opposition even alleged that the centre was well aware that their policy could be challenged easily and the flawed policy was purposefully launched so that they would not have to bother about its implementation.

The developments indicate there is merit in the arguments raised against the central government’s ambitious policy, which is quipped by many as a ploy intended to woo the upper class electorate.

Vignesh. S. G

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