In a significant setback for the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar, the Supreme Court today refused to stay the Patna High Court’s decision that invalidated the state government’s 65% reservation policy for backward classes. The apex court’s refusal to grant a stay means the high court’s ruling remains in effect, creating a major challenge for the state’s affirmative action policies.
The controversy began when the Bihar government introduced a policy reserving 65% of government jobs and educational seats for backward classes, aimed at uplifting socially and economically disadvantaged communities. The policy faced immediate legal challenges, culminating in the Patna High Court’s decision to strike it down, citing constitutional violations.
Despite the state’s appeal to the Supreme Court for a stay on the high court’s order, the apex court upheld the lower court’s ruling. This decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on maintaining constitutional balance in affirmative action policies.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government had argued that the quota was essential for ensuring adequate representation of backward classes in state employment and education. However, the court found that the policy exceeded the limits set by previous Supreme Court judgments on reservation policies, which generally cap reservations at 50%.
The ruling has sparked widespread debate and reactions across political and social spectrums. Supporters of the quota policy argue that it is necessary for correcting historical injustices and providing equal opportunities to marginalized communities. Critics, however, contend that such high levels of reservation could undermine meritocracy and lead to reverse discrimination.
As the state government contemplates its next move, the Supreme Court’s decision highlights the ongoing tension between efforts to promote social justice through reservations and the need to adhere to constitutional principles and judicial precedents.