3 weeks ago
Maharashtra Maratha quota case may restart after bench change
In India, there is a big disagreement about a special rule for people called the Marathas.
This rule gives them extra help getting into schools and getting government jobs.
Some people say this rule is not fair because too many people get special help at once.
A court has been listening to this argument for a very long time.
The judge in charge of the case might get a new job far away in the city of Calcutta.
If he moves, the whole case may have to start over from the beginning.
That would mean everyone has to wait even longer for an answer.
This has happened before, and it is frustrating for the people involved.
The next court meeting is planned for September 2.
The Maratha quota case may be heard afresh if Justice Ravindra V Ghuge is appointed Calcutta High Court Chief Justice.
A three-judge Bombay High Court bench has held nearly 20 hearings since July 18, 2025.
The 2024 law grants 10% reservation to the Maratha community in education and public employment under the SEBC category.
Petitioners argue the law breaches the 50% reservation ceiling without a constitutional amendment.
This is the second time in two years that a change in the bench has interrupted proceedings.
- Who
- Petitioners, the Maharashtra state government, and the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC), before a Bombay High Court bench led by Justice Ravindra V Ghuge.
- What
- The legal challenge to Maharashtra's 2024 Maratha reservation law may have to be heard afresh because of a possible bench change.
- Where
- Bombay High Court, Maharashtra, India.
- When
- Hearings have been ongoing since July 18, 2025; the next hearing is scheduled for September 2.
- Why
- Because Justice Ghuge has been recommended for appointment as Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, which would require a new bench to hear the case.
Petitioners challenging the law
Maharashtra State Government
50% reservation ceiling
Petitioners challenging the law
The 2024 law is unconstitutional because it breaches the 50% reservation limit, which is permissible only through a constitutional amendment.
Maharashtra State Government
The law was formulated after rectifying the earlier reservation in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines.
What changed from the 2018 law
Petitioners challenging the law
There is nothing new in the 2024 Act compared to the 2018 law, except the state's claim that the MSBCC conducted a larger survey.
Maharashtra State Government
The government can revisit the quota and enact a law based on a detailed, large-scale survey.
Key facts
- Law in question
- 2024 law granting 10% reservation to Marathas under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) category
- Status
- Challenge may restart; final arguments nearly complete
- Hearings held
- Nearly 20 sittings since July 18, 2025
- Current bench
- Justices Ravindra V Ghuge, N J Jamadar and Sandeep V Marne
- Next hearing
- September 2
- Reason for possible restart
- Justice Ghuge's recommended appointment as Calcutta High Court Chief Justice
- Earlier laws
- 2014 and 2018 reservation laws failed in the courts
- Population share
- Marathas constitute nearly one-third of Maharashtra's population
Sources
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