BIG: Maharashtra Legislative houses pass SEBC act 2018 (amendment) paving way for 16% Maratha reservation for students in PG Medical Admission

In a major move supporting Maratha reservation, the Maharashtra Legislative State Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and the State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad), on Friday have passed an Amendment in SEBC Act 2018 (Socially Economically Backward Class) in which students of Maratha community in PG Medical Admission will get 16% reservation.

The state had introduced an ordinance earlier which has been now converted into a bill clearing the way for Maratha reservation in admission in the state's private and government educational institutions for undergraduate and Post-graduate courses and appointments in public services. The amendment nullifies the apex court's order of not implementing the act in the current academic year.

The amended Bill states:

Clause (a) of sub-section 4 of the said Act, provides that, notwithstanding any contained in any judgement, decree or order of any court or other authority, and subject to other provisions of the said Act, 16% of the total seats in educational institutions including private whether aided or non aided, other than minority educational institutions referred to in clauses (1) of article 30 of the Indian constitution shall be separately reserved for SEBC including the Maratha community. 

Final Hearing On Pleas Against Maratha Quota From February 6: Bombay High Court

In direct contrast, the Supreme Court's order on June 4, had barred the state from implementing the act in the current academic year's admissions and had restrained any other courts from entertaining any plea related to admission to PG medical courses.

Furthermore, in tune with the apex court's judgement, the state's the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High court refused to entertain the petition challenging the Maharashtra State Reservation Ordinance, 2019.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court sought a response from the Maharashtra government on a plea challenging an order of the Bombay High Court dismissing a petition against 16 percent quota for Marathas in admission to PG medical and dental courses. The top court said it will hear on June 24 the plea challenging Maharashtra government's decision to grant Maratha reservation for admissions in PG medical courses. A bench of justices Deepak Gupta and Surya Kant said it cannot leave the petitioners remedy less as either the high court or the Supreme Court has to adjudicate the issue.