Karnataka HC strikes down SC, ST quota increase for breaching 50% cap

What happened: The Karnataka High Court struck down parts of a 2022 law that raised SC and ST reservations in state educational institutes and government jobs, ruling the higher quotas breached the 50% ceiling. Key numbers: SC quota rose to 17% from 15%; ST quota to 7% from 3%; OBC quota stayed 32%; total reservations rose to 56% from 50%. The Act got assent in January 2023, effective November 1, 2022. Why it matters: The bench held Section 3 violated Articles 14 and 15, and Section 4 violated Articles 14 and 16, so the enhanced quotas cannot stand.

The Karnataka High Court struck down parts of a 2022 law that raised SC and ST reservations in state educational institutes and government jobs, ruling the higher quotas breached the 50% ceiling.

The bench held Section 3 violated Articles 14 and 15, and Section 4 violated Articles 14 and 16, so the enhanced quotas cannot stand.