SC Declares Maratha Law Unconstitutional; CM Uddhav Thackeray Terms It Unfortunate

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said the Supreme Court’s decision, to strike down a law which provides reservation benefits to the Maratha community, was unfortunate.

A five-judge Constitution Bench of the apex court on Wednesday unanimously declared a Maharashtra law which provides reservation benefits to Maratha community in the state in excess of 50% as unconstitutional.

The Justice Ashok Bhushan-headed bench found no “exceptional circumstances” or “extraordinary situation” in Maharashtra which required the state government to break the 50% ceiling limit for giving quota benefits to the Maratha community.

The Court was of the view that a separate reservation for the Maratha community violates Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (due process of law).

Uddhav said the legal battle for reservations to Maratha community will continue till “victory” is achieved.

“With folded hands, we request the prime minister and the president to take an immediate decision on Maratha quota,” Uddhav said in a statement.

The chief minister added that he expects the Centre to show same alacrity on the Maratha quota issue as it did in delivering verdicts on Shah Bano case and Article 370 for which the Constitution was amended.