Maratha quota protest heats up: What SC, Bombay HC have ruled on it, what steps state govt is taking
As Maratha quota protests intensify in Maharashtra, the state government has formed a panel of three former High Court judges to advise it on the legal battle over the issue in the Supreme Court. Ahead of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has launched a fast-unto-death protest for Maratha reservation, putting pressure on the state government.
The Marathas are a group of castes comprising peasants and landowners, among others, constituting nearly 33 per cent of state’s population. The demand for Maratha reservation is not new in the state. The first protest over this was held 32 years ago by Mathadi Labour Union leader Annasaheb Patil in Mumbai.
What did the Bombay High Court rule in 2019?
In November 2018, the then BJP government in Maharashtra passed a Bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for the Maratha community. This was challenged in court.