In Brief
Maharashtra enacted the SEBC Act, 2018, granting 16 per cent reservations to Marathas in educational institutions and public employment. The High Court upheld the Act but reduced reservations to 12 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, citing extraordinary circumstances. The Supreme Court held that interpretation of Articles 338-B and 342-A (inserted by the 102nd Amendment) raises substantial constitutional questions requiring a larger Bench. On interim relief, the Court found the Act prima-facie violates the 50 per cent reservation ceiling and that ordinary backwardness does not constitute extraordinary circumstances for exceeding it. The Court granted interim orders suspending implementation of reservations pending larger Bench consideration, as reversing admissions/appointments would cause irreparable harm.
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