SC to decide on TN reservation law after Maratha quota ruling

SC to decide on TN reservation law after Maratha quota ruling

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:04.03.2021 

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred hearing on constitutional validity of Tamil Nadu reservation law providing 69% quota in government jobs and educational institutions and said the matter would be heard after the issue of Maratha quota is decided by the Constitution bench.

A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and R Subhash Reddy directed that the case be listed after the constitutional validity of Maratha reservation is decided by the court, but turned down the plea to tag the case with Maratha quota case so that the Constitution bench decides both the issues.

“After considering the submissions of learned counsel for the parties, we are of the view that these petitions need not be heard along with Civil Appeal No.3123 of 2020 (Maratha reservation) and be listed after the judgment in the case,” the court said.

The state government opposed tagging of the case with Maratha reservation. It contended that 1993 Act has special protection under Article 31B of the Constitution and the case must be heard separately after the Constitution Bench delivers the Judgment in Maratha reservation case.

“The Act which is under challenge is Tamil Nadu Act, 1993 whereas the Maharashtra Act, 2018 was an enactment which was enacted after the Constitution 102nd Amendment. Hence the question pertaining to Constitution 102nd Amendment is under consideration in Maratha reservation case which has been referred to the larger Bench,” senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for state, said.

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