Madhya Pradesh High Court Strikes Down 27% OBC Reservation Law

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday annulled the 2019 amendment that sought to increase the reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBC) from 14% to 27%. In its judgment, the court held that the amendment violated constitutional principles of equality and exceeded the permissible limits of reservation. The decision effectively restores the earlier OBC reservation percentage to 14% across the state. The bench also directed that the 13% of positions currently on hold under the higher quota be filled within three months, ensuring that recruitment processes resume without further delay. The ruling is expected to trigger legal challenges and political debate, given the sensitivity of reservation policies in India.