The Bihar government faced a big blow. Some people went to the High Court against Bihar’s decision to increase BC, SC, and ST reservations from 50% to 65% in 2023. Today, the Patna High Court heard their petition and struck down the Bihar government’s decision. The court said it went beyond the Constitution’s powers and violated the equality rules under Articles 14, 15, and 16.
Patna High Court scraps 65% reservation for Backward Classes, EBCs, SCs & STs.
The Court set aside the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (Amendment) Act, 2023 and The Bihar (In admission in Educational Institutions) Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 as ultra… pic.twitter.com/FTvY9CzvRn
— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2024
The Bihar Assembly passed the Reservation Amendment Bill in November 2023, even without Chief Minister Nitish Kumar being there. The new quota included 20% for Scheduled Castes, 2% for Scheduled Tribes, and 43% for Other Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes. This left only 35% for open merit candidates.