BC quota bill: Telangana HC adjourns hearing, refuses to stay local body poll notification

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on petitions challenging the State government’s decision to grant 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections.

Court denies request to stay local body poll notification

The division bench, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe Singh, scheduled the next hearing for Thursday at 2:15 pm. Petitioners had sought a stay on the upcoming local body election notification, but the court did not entertain the request.

Government moves on BC reservations

The State government had issued a GO 9, providing 42 per cent reservation for BCs in local bodies. This decision was challenged in the High Court by Buttembari Madhav Reddy and Samudrala Ramesh, who claimed it violated constitutional limits.

Several BC leaders, including R Krishnaiah and V Hanumantha Rao, filed implead petitions supporting the enhanced quota. All petitions were clubbed together and heard by the Chief Justice’s bench.

Petitioners argue reservation exceeds legal limits

Advocates for the petitioners contended that the government cannot exceed the 50 per cent reservation ceiling in local elections, no scientific basis has been provided to justify the 42 per cent BC quota, and the caste census used for BCs has not been made public.

SC and ST reservations rely on the 2011 census, while BC data remains unpublished.

In 2018, a similar 34 per cent BC quota was struck down by the same High Court. The petitioners emphasised that elections must be conducted constitutionally, arguing that the current quota could violate constitutional provisions.

BC bill approved by Assembly

Senior Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the state, argued the BC reservation bill was unanimously approved by all parties in the Assembly.

The GO was based on a comprehensive caste enumeration and the BC Commission’s recommendations. Governments have the authority to increase reservations for public welfare.

Singhvi also criticised delays in gubernatorial approvals of state bills, noting that such delays undermine the democratic process and the people’s mandate. He submitted that with elections already scheduled, granting a stay would be inappropriate.

After hearing partial arguments from both sides, the High Court adjourned the matter to Thursday afternoon for further detailed submissions.

Meanwhile, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud stated that the party has presented strong arguments in court regarding the BC (Backward Classes) reservation case. He expressed confidence that the case will be won decisively.

Election process to begin tomorrow

Goud highlighted that, as per the election schedule, the nomination process for ZPTC and MPTC elections will start from tomorrow. The Congress leadership is preparing strategically, taking into account the views of senior party leaders in ten constituencies.

Historic census and legislative measures

Telangana recently conducted a caste survey after nearly 90 years (since 1930), providing an updated demographic database. Goud emphasized that the Congress government has introduced three legislations aimed at strengthening BC reservations, which received support from all parties in the Assembly.

Criticism of BJP tactics

He accused the BJP of making empty promises and attempting superficial outreach towards the BC community, describing their efforts as mere “lip service.”

Government Commitment across communities

The Congress government is moving forward with sincere intent on BC reservations, Goud said. Support for the initiative comes from across party lines, including CM Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers, and public representatives, irrespective of caste or religion.

Congress eyes strong performance in Local Polls

Goud expressed confidence that the party would win nearly 90% of seats in the upcoming local body elections, signaling a strong grassroots presence.