Politics · India Bureau
Karnataka seeks PM intervention to shield SC/ST quota law from court challenge
The Karnataka government plans to petition Prime Minister Narendra Modi to place its enhanced reservation law for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution's Ninth Schedule, following a High Court decision that struck down the legislation.
LSN India ·
Karnataka's administration will formally approach the Prime Minister's office requesting constitutional protection for its 2022 reservation law after the state High Court invalidated the measure. The move aims to shield the enhanced quota provisions from further legal challenges by seeking inclusion in the Ninth Schedule, which restricts judicial review of listed legislation.
The Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions and of Appointments or Posts in the Services under the State) Act, 2022, was designed to increase reservation benefits for SC and ST communities in educational institutions and government service. The High Court's decision to quash the law has prompted the state to explore alternative constitutional safeguards.
Placement in the Ninth Schedule would provide parliamentary protection to the legislation, making it difficult for courts to overturn or substantially modify its provisions. The state government views this step as essential to protecting the welfare measures from ongoing legal impediments.
The development reflects ongoing tensions between judicial and executive branches over the scope and constitutionality of reservation policies in India. The matter underscores broader debates about federalism and the extent to which states can enhance reserved quotas beyond national frameworks.