The Supreme Court on October 6 declined to hear a petition challenging the Telangana government’s order providing 42% reservation to Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed reluctance to entertain the plea under Article 32, which allows citizens to seek constitutional remedies for violation of fundamental rights. The petitioner subsequently withdrew the plea with liberty to approach the Telangana High Court.
The petition had argued that increasing BC reservations to 42% would raise the total quota in local bodies to 67%, exceeding the 50% cap established by the Supreme Court in earlier verdicts. The High Court has scheduled the hearing for October 8, and no stay has been issued on the government order.
The Government Order (GO), issued on September 26, 2025, aims to enhance political representation for BCs, following the recommendations of a one-man commission that analyzed the SEEEPC survey (Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste) data. The commission suggested 42% reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies to address their underrepresentation and promote their welfare and advancement.
Citing Article 243D(6) of the Constitution, the GO empowers the state to allocate reservations in panchayats and offices of chairpersons. The Telangana government emphasized that the decision ensures fair political participation for BC communities across the state.
