Tamil Nadu to challenge Supreme Court verdict on Muslim quota policy

The Tamil Nadu government will pursue legal recourse against the Supreme Court's recent verdict on the contentious Muslim quota issue, state Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar said on Thursday. The apex court had upheld a Madras High Court ruling that quashed a 2024 government order providing reservations for converted Muslims in educational institutions and public employment.

The review petition represents the state government's continued effort to implement the quota policy, which had been introduced as part of its broader affirmative action framework. The order had sought to extend reservation benefits to Muslim converts, marking a significant policy move by the state administration.

The legal battle over the reservation policy underscores ongoing debates in India regarding the scope and applicability of constitutional provisions on social equity. The case has attracted substantial attention given the intersections between religious conversion, constitutional rights, and affirmative action mechanisms.

The state government has maintained its position on the necessity of the policy, signaling its determination to exhaust available legal remedies. The review petition is expected to present fresh arguments or grounds that were either not adequately considered or newly emerged since the original verdict.