Decision of 65% reservation in Bihar struck down by Patna High Court

Patna (Bihar) – The Patna High Court has struck down the Bihar government’s decision to increase the reservation limit in educational institutions and government jobs from 50% to 65%. The increased reservation was intended for Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and Economically Backward Classes. This decision was challenged in the High Court, which had reserved its verdict on March 11th after hearing the case. The court’s ruling emphasizes the necessity of adhering to constitutional limits and ensuring a balanced approach in affirmative action policies. Further implications of this decision and the government’s response are awaited.

Patna High Court scraps 65% quota for backward classes

Bihar Assembly passed the Reservation Amendment Bill in 2023; The bill limited the space for those coming from the open merit category to 25 percent

Violates equality clause under Articles 14, 15, and 16 pic.twitter.com/NdtLKjsfSa

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) June 20, 2024

The Bihar government had increased the reservation percentage by passing a bill in the assembly on November 9, 2023. The petitioners opposing this decision argued that it violated Article 16(1) and Article 15(1) of the Constitution, which provide for equality of opportunity and prohibit discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. They contended that reservation should be based on social and educational backwardness rather than population size. The High Court, after hearing the case and reserving its verdict on March 11th, ultimately ruled against the government’s decision.