Published 17:27 IST, August 5th 2020

EWS quota: Supreme Court refers to 5-judge bench pleas challenging Centre's decision

The Supreme Court on Wednesday referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench pleas challenging the central government's decision

Reported by: Prachi Mankani
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On Wednesday, Supreme Court referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench pleas challenging central government's decision to grant 10 percent quota to Ecomically Weaker Sections (EWSs) in jobs and admissions in general category. Centre had earlier defended its decision and contended that Constitution (103 amendments) Act, 2019 granting a 10 percent reservation to EWS is intended to uplift around 200 million people who are still below poverty line.

petitions were filed by NGOs 'Janhit Abhiyan' and 'Youth For Equality' along with 33 ors sought directions to quash Constitution (103 Amendment) Act, 2019. 

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A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Justice (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde said that a larger bench will decide pleas filed by 35 petitioners challenging Centre's decision. petitioner said that ecomic criterion cant be sole basis for reservation.

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10 % Quota For Ecomically Weaker Sections (EWS)

In a bid to provide equal opportunities to Ecomically Weaker Sections (EWS), Modi government had passed a resolution which will provide 10% reservation to EWS over and above 50% reservation already set aside for Schedule Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Or Backward Class (OBC).

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amendment will be brought in Parliament on Tuesday, and should it be passed in both houses, reservation cap will increase from 50 to 60%. In order for amendment to be brought up, government will need to amend Article 15 and 16 of constitution.  

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17:27 IST, August 5th 2020