HC directs Maharashtra govt. to file reply to petition challenging scrapping of 5% Muslim quota

The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Maharashtra government to file a response within three weeks to a petition challenging a government resolution (GR) scrapping 5% reservation for Muslims in education.

A Division Bench of Justices R.I. Chagla and Advait Sethna was hearing the petition filed by advocate Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi challenging the GR dated February 17 that withdrew 5% reservation for 49 backward communities among Muslims. “The matter will be heard next on May 3,” Mr. Naqvi told The Hindu.

The plea termed “racial and social discrimination” the revocation of the quota granted under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes category. Abruptly withdrawing the quota is against the Constitution, Mr. Naqvi said.