The Telangana High Court on Thursday stayed the government notification granting 42% reservation to Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice A K Singh and G M Mohiuddin heard arguments from the petitioners and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the state government.
The petitioners contended that the government order, GO No. 9, violates the 50% Supreme Court ceiling on total reservations. The new 42% BC quota, combined with existing 15% for SCs and 10% for STs, raises the total reservation to 67%, exceeding the legal limit.
The Telangana government had issued the order to fulfill its election promise of enhancing BC reservations ahead of local body polls scheduled in five phases during October and November, as announced by the State Election Commission.
The court directed the government to file a counter affidavit within four weeks, while petitioners have two weeks to submit their replies.
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