Hyderabad: The Telangana government has filed a 50-page petition in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s stay on 42% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections. The petition argues that the Indira Sawhney vs Union of India (1992) judgment, often cited to justify the 50% cap on reservations, applies only to education and employment, not to political representation.
The government asserted that political reservations are constitutionally distinct and essential for ensuring equitable participation of BCs in governance. It urged the apex court to vacate the stay and allow the elections to proceed as planned.
Sources indicated that the petition is likely to be heard by the Supreme Court today, with senior advocates representing the state. The government emphasized that the High Court’s interim order has disrupted the democratic process and delayed the local body election schedule.
