📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Muhammad Mahdi Karim/ Augustus Binu
Politics
Karnataka High Court Rejects Proposed SC/ST Quota Increase, Cites 50% Reservation Ceiling
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 14 Oct 2026, 04:02 AM
👁 17
The Karnataka High Court has ruled against the state's plan to raise the SC/ST reservation quota, stating that total reservations cannot exceed the constitutional 50% ceiling.
The Karnataka High Court delivered a verdict on the state's proposal to increase the reservation quota for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, holding that the move violates the 50% overall reservation cap set by precedent. The bench examined the state's petition, which sought to raise the SC/ST share in government jobs and educational institutions, arguing that it would address lingering disparities.
In its judgment, the court reiterated the Supreme Court's directive that reservations across all categories must not surpass half of the available seats. It noted that any amendment exceeding this limit would be unconstitutional and could undermine merit-based selection.
The ruling effectively stalls the Karnataka government's attempt to alter the quota structure until a broader legislative or judicial review addresses the reservation ceiling. Legal experts say the decision reaffirms the judiciary's role in maintaining the balance between affirmative action and constitutional limits.
The state government has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision or seek a different legal avenue. Meanwhile, stakeholders from various communities are expected to monitor the developments closely, given the sensitivity of reservation policies in the region.
In its judgment, the court reiterated the Supreme Court's directive that reservations across all categories must not surpass half of the available seats. It noted that any amendment exceeding this limit would be unconstitutional and could undermine merit-based selection.
The ruling effectively stalls the Karnataka government's attempt to alter the quota structure until a broader legislative or judicial review addresses the reservation ceiling. Legal experts say the decision reaffirms the judiciary's role in maintaining the balance between affirmative action and constitutional limits.
The state government has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision or seek a different legal avenue. Meanwhile, stakeholders from various communities are expected to monitor the developments closely, given the sensitivity of reservation policies in the region.