In Brief
This case challenges the constitutionality of Section 12(2)(c) of the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961, and State Election Commission notifications reserving over 50% aggregate seats for SCs, STs, and OBCs in local bodies. The Supreme Court held that while Article 243-D(6) and 243-T(6) are valid, they are enabling provisions only. Reservation for OBCs is statutory and distinct from constitutional SC/ST reservations. Before notifying OBC reservations, States must conduct dedicated empirical inquiries into local political backwardness and ensure aggregate vertical reservations never exceed 50%. The impugned notifications and election results for OBC seats were quashed as void. Seats are deemed vacated, and fresh elections for general category candidates must be held within two weeks.
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