Reservation for Muslims in Government Jobs in Maharashtra Cancelled by Social Justice Department

Mumbai – The Maharashtra Government’s decision and circular granting 5% reservation to Muslims under the “Maharashtra State Special Backward Category-A” in direct recruitment for Government and semi-government services (appointments made through direct examinations or interviews to fill vacant posts in government-owned semi-government offices), as well as in admissions to educational institutions, has been cancelled by the Social Justice Department.

In 2014, before the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, the Congress Government in the state had issued an ordinance on 9 July 2014, providing reservation for Muslims. On 14 November 2014, the Bombay High Court granted an interim stay on the decision to provide reservation in government and semi-government direct recruitment. (Now that this reservation has been cancelled, it is good; however, if the public questions why it took 12 years to implement the court’s decision, what would be wrong in that ? – Editor)

Maharashtra’s Social Justice Department withdraws the
5% Muslim reservation in govt jobs – a quota that had already been stayed by the Bombay High Court over a decade ago.

AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel has opposed the decision to scrap it.

PC: @CNNnews18 pic.twitter.com/V7Clf5nise

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 18, 2026

1. Sanjit Shukla had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court opposing the decision to grant reservation to Muslims in Government and Semi-government jobs.

2. Based on this petition, the court granted an interim stay on the decision.

3. The court stayed the decision on the grounds that it violated the 50% reservation cap. Additionally, the ordinance issued by the Congress Government needed to be converted into law by 23 December 2014.

4. In reality, no such law was enacted. Therefore, the ordinance automatically lapsed. As a result, the Government Resolution issued by the General Administration Department in this regard was also cancelled.

5. However, the Government Order and circular issued by the Social Justice Department had not been withdrawn. On 17 February 2026, the Government issued a decision stating that the earlier order had now been cancelled by the Social Justice Department.

AIMIM Leader Imtiaz Jaleel Opposes the Move to Withdraw Muslim Reservation

(AIMIM stands for All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen)

Mumbai – The number of Muslim students from the state appearing in UPSC (civil services examinations) has increased. It is not true that all people from the Brahmin community are extremely wealthy. Those who wish to pursue education but cannot afford it should also receive reservation. (Why does Jaleel not mention that despite poverty among Brahmins, they do not avail reservation ? – Editor) There is a need to assist poor people. We had supported reservation for the Maratha community. We have consistently tried to ensure concessions based on income e criteria. Poor Muslims should not be deprived of education, said AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel in his reaction.

AIMIM Leader Imtiaz Jaleel Opposes the Move to Withdraw Muslim Reservation
(AIMIM stands for All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen)

While reacting to a statement made by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding reconversion into Hinduism, he said: “Bhagwat’s mindset is to divide the country. Such ideological leaders have weakened the nation. I compare such leaders to Ajmal Kasab. He had come to break the country. Today’s patriotic Muslim is one who offers namaz five times a day.”