Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 18: The Maharashtra government’s Social Justice Department on Tuesday issued a Government Resolution (GR) formally cancelling its 2014 order that had granted a 5% reservation to the Muslim community in educational institutions and government as well as semi-government jobs.

The quota, introduced in July 2014 through an ordinance, had classified Muslims under the Special Backward Class-A (SBC-A) category. However, the decision was challenged before the Bombay High Court, which stayed its implementation in November 2014.

As the ordinance was not enacted into law by the state legislature within the stipulated timeframe in December 2014, it automatically lapsed. Subsequently, the Supreme Court of India set aside the quota while deciding a Special Leave Petition (SLP), rendering the provision inoperative.

Despite the ordinance expiring and the apex court’s order, the state had not formally withdrawn the original GR until now.

With the latest resolution, the government has declared all decisions and communications related to the 5% reservation null and void. This means no admissions or recruitment can be carried out under the said quota, and no caste or validity certificates will be issued under the category.

Officials stated that the move is largely procedural, as the reservation has not been in force for several years following judicial intervention and the expiry of the ordinance.