Karnataka High Court Restrains Government from Making Appointments Based on New SC Internal Quotas
Bengaluru:
In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has temporarily restrained the state government from making appointments and recruitments based on the newly introduced internal reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs). The order comes as a major setback to the state’s efforts to implement a sub-classification within the SC category.
Court’s Directive
A division bench of the High Court issued the interim order after several petitions challenged the government’s move to categorize SCs into sub-groups and provide internal quotas for each group. Petitioners argued that such internal divisions could violate the constitutional framework and equality principles guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, and 16.
The High Court directed that no appointments or promotions be made under the new internal reservation framework until further orders, ensuring that ongoing recruitment processes remain unaffected by the policy.
Background
The Karnataka government had recently restructured reservations within the Scheduled Caste community, introducing four internal categories — SC (Left), SC (Right), Bhovi, and Others. The decision aimed to ensure fair representation but was met with opposition, claiming it lacked constitutional backing.
Legal experts note that any sub-categorization within SCs requires Parliament’s intervention, not unilateral state action. The state government, however, defended its move as an attempt to achieve social justice and equitable representation among all SC groups.
Reactions
The ruling has sparked widespread political and social debate. While opposition parties hailed the judgment as a victory for constitutional principles, government representatives expressed disappointment and are considering filing an appeal before the Supreme Court.
Social organizations have urged the state to respect the judiciary’s direction while working toward a more inclusive reservation framework that benefits marginalized groups equitably.
Impact on Recruitment
The decision halts several ongoing recruitment drives that were structured under the new internal quota system. Aspirants from different sub-castes within the SC category are now awaiting clarity on the next course of action from the state government.
FAQ Section
1. What is the Karnataka High Court’s latest order on SC internal quotas?
The Karnataka High Court has restrained the state government from making appointments and promotions based on the newly introduced internal reservation policy for Scheduled Castes until further notice.
2. Why was the internal quota policy challenged?
Petitioners argued that the policy violates constitutional provisions by introducing sub-classifications within the SC category, which can only be legislated by Parliament.
3. What are the four internal SC categories introduced by the Karnataka government?
They are SC (Left), SC (Right), Bhovi, and Others, each allocated specific quotas under the new framework.
4. Will this ruling affect ongoing government recruitments?
Yes. All new appointments under the internal quota policy have been halted, though ongoing processes under the old system remain unaffected.
5. What’s next for the Karnataka government?
The state government may challenge the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court or revisit the policy framework to align it with constitutional requirements.
Published on : 20th October
Published by : SARANYA
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