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The Karnataka HC struck down the state’s move to raise SC/ST reservation to 56%, ruling it violates the 50% ceiling. The verdict impacts SC/ST aspirants for jobs and education in Karnataka, upholding the equality-affirmative action balance.
The Bombay High Court has ruled that the unavailability of a pre-constitutional document at the time of initial caste verification cannot justify denial of justice. When such evidence emerges later, the Scrutiny Committee must reconsider the claim afresh, ensuring that procedural technicalities do not override substantive rights under affirmative action frameworks. This sets a critical precedent for Scheduled Tribe applicants relying on historical records.
The Kerala High Court has upheld the Priyadarshini Scheme granting free bus travel to all women and transgender persons, ruling that Article 15(3) permits broad-based affirmative action even without targeted evidence of disadvantage. This sets a precedent for gender-inclusive public welfare policies that prioritize structural empowerment over narrow proof of deprivation, affecting millions of daily commuters across the state.
Rajasthan High Court rules that merely subsuming transgender persons under OBC reservation violates the NALSA judgment, directing the state to implement a 3% horizontal quota and form a committee to design inclusive policies. The ruling sets a precedent for affirmative action beyond vertical reservations, impacting constitutional rights and state obligations under Articles 14, 15, and 16.
Supreme Court holds that reserved category candidates who qualify for teacher recruitment with relaxed TET marks must be considered for open category seats if they score higher than the last general candidate, unless recruitment rules expressly prohibit such migration. This ruling reinforces merit-based inclusion in public employment while upholding constitutional principles under Articles 14 and 16.
Gujarat High Court mandates that Scheduled Tribe certificates for central exams and admissions must strictly adhere to the Central Government-prescribed format, even if a state-issued certificate exists. The ruling directs Mamlatdars to issue compliant certificates within two weeks, ensuring eligibility for central schemes and educational opportunities.