Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the state government’s plan to appeal the Patna High Court’s decision to the Supreme Court, which had overturned Bihar’s increase in reservations for SC, ST, and OBC categories from 50% to 65%. Choudhary, also Bihar BJP president, reiterated his party’s strong support for the reservation policy amidst the legal challenge.
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NEW DELHI: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced on Thursday(on 20th June), that the state government would challenge the Patna High Court’s recent decision in the Supreme Court. The High Court had struck down the state government’s move to increase reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) from 50% to 65%.
Choudhary, who also serves as the president of the Bihar BJP, emphasized his party’s unwavering commitment to the reservation policy. He stated-
“The state government plans to appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the Patna High Court’s ruling invalidating the raised reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and backward classes from 50% to 65%.”
Expressing his party’s stance, Choudhary remarked-
“Choudhary, also the state BJP president, affirmed his party’s complete support for reservations, stating that the state government will approach the Supreme Court ‘after consulting legal experts’.”
Highlighting the BJP’s role in the current government’s decisions, he said-
“The Nitish Kumar government ordered the caste survey and increased quotas for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes with full support from the BJP.”
Choudhary further reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure justice for all sections of society.
ALSO READ: Patna HC Scraps Bihar’s 65% Reservation Policy for Backward Classes, EBCs, SCs, and STs
“Hence, the Bihar government will approach the Supreme Court to ensure justice for the people of Bihar.”
-he affirmed.
The Patna High Court’s ruling has sparked a wave of reactions across the state, with many political leaders and social activists weighing in on the implications of the decision. The increase in reservation quotas was seen as a major step towards social equity and inclusion by the current administration.
Legal experts suggest that the state government’s move to contest the High Court’s ruling in the Supreme Court could set a precedent for other states facing similar challenges. The outcome of this legal battle is eagerly awaited, as it will have far-reaching consequences for the reservation policies across the country.
The Bihar government’s decision to challenge the High Court’s ruling underscores its commitment to safeguarding the rights and opportunities for the underprivileged communities. The state administration, backed by the BJP, appears determined to pursue all legal avenues to uphold the enhanced reservation quotas.
Expressing his profound disappointment, Tejashwi Yadav stated-
“I am shocked by the verdict. The BJP had attempted to obstruct the caste survey, which formed the foundation for the increased quotas. It is unsurprising that this ruling has emerged shortly after the party’s return to power at the Centre.”
His remarks underscore the suspicion that the timing of the judgement is politically motivated, coming so soon after the BJP regained power at the central level.
Tejashwi Yadav, highlighting the critical nature of the issue, mentioned his intent to take further action. He emphasized that he would be reaching out to Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, stating-
“I intend to write to the Chief Minister regarding this matter.”
This indicates a collaborative approach to address the fallout of the verdict.
Furthermore, Tejashwi made it clear that the RJD is prepared to escalate the matter legally if necessary.
“If the state government fails to act, the RJD will pursue legal recourse by approaching the Supreme Court against the high court order.”
– he asserted.
This statement reflects the party’s determination to challenge the verdict through the highest judicial authority in the country.
In response to Tejashwi Yadav’s comments, BJP leader Samrat Choudhary offered a sharp critique of Yadav and his family’s political legacy.
“His father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, did not provide reservation to a single person. Lalu Prasad Yadav is anti-reservation, supported crime, and epitomized hooliganism.”
-Choudhary remarked.
This scathing assessment aims to undermine the Yadav family’s credibility on issues of social justice and reservations.
The Congress party also weighed in on the matter, questioning the commitment of both the state and central governments to the cause of reservation. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed out the legal basis for the high court’s decision, noting-
“The High Court determined that this violated the 50 percent ceiling established by the Supreme Court.”
This reference to the Supreme Court’s ceiling on reservations highlights the legal constraints that influenced the high court’s judgement.
ALSO READ: Legal Challenge in Patna High Court Against Bihar’s Reservation Amendment Increasing Quota to 65%
Ramesh further challenged the Nitish Kumar government’s next steps, asking-
“Will the Bihar government now proceed with an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court? Will the NDA government at the Centre strongly support this appeal?”
These questions pressurize both state and central authorities to take decisive action in support of the reservation policy.
