The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition by the Andhra Pradesh government contesting a high court decision that invalidated a 34 per cent reservation for backward classes in local body elections.
A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu declined to intervene, noting that the Andhra Pradesh High Court had issued a reasonable order in the matter.
Breach of 50 Per Cent Limit
The dispute originates from an October 1 verdict in which the high court quashed two separate government notifications establishing the quota. In its judgment, the high court held that the reservation conflicted with Supreme Court guidelines mandating that aggregate quotas must not cross the 50 per cent ceiling.
In addition to striking down the orders, the high court issued directions to the state administration and the State Election Commission to initiate the local body electoral process within six weeks.
Coalition Pre-Poll Promise
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had formally announced the 34 per cent quota for backward classes in local polls on August 18. Outlining the measure at the time, Naidu stated that implementing reservations for backward classes in nominated positions reflected the coalition’s foundational principles and fulfilled an electoral commitment made by the National Democratic Alliance.
