The Supreme Court's five-judge bench, led by Justice Ashok Bhushan, ruled that the law granting quota to the Maratha community beyond 50% breaches the principle of equality. It also stated that the state did not provide sufficient extraordinary reasons to classify Marathas as a socially and economically backward class (SEBC). The bench upheld the 102nd constitutional amendment, affirming that only the Central Government has the authority to identify SEBCs. States cannot maintain separate SEBC lists; this power lies solely with the President, who must be guided by the National Commission on Backward Classes.

Based on this ruling, which course of action is likely for the Maharashtra government?

(I) Maharashtra government will request the Centre to recognize Marathas as a socially and economically backward class.

(II) Maharashtra government will support the Central Government by imposing conditions to consider this law.

(III) Maharashtra Chief Minister will meet the President of India to advocate for Marathas to be classified as socially and economically backward class.

Question

The Supreme Court's five-judge bench, led by Justice Ashok Bhushan, ruled that the law granting quota to the Maratha community beyond 50% breaches the principle of equality. It also stated that the state did not provide sufficient extraordinary reasons to classify Marathas as a socially and economically backward class (SEBC). The bench upheld the 102nd constitutional amendment, affirming that only the Central Government has the authority to identify SEBCs. States cannot maintain separate SEBC lists; this power lies solely with the President, who must be guided by the National Commission on Backward Classes.

Based on this ruling, which course of action is likely for the Maharashtra government?

(I) Maharashtra government will request the Centre to recognize Marathas as a socially and economically backward class.

(II) Maharashtra government will support the Central Government by imposing conditions to consider this law.

(III) Maharashtra Chief Minister will meet the President of India to advocate for Marathas to be classified as socially and economically backward class.

Accepted Answer

**Solution:**

1. The Supreme Court has clarified that only the Central Government has the authority to identify socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs), and states cannot maintain separate lists.

2. Since the Maratha quota law was struck down for exceeding 50% and lacking extraordinary justification, the Maharashtra government cannot independently enforce this quota.

3. Therefore, the Maharashtra government is likely to approach the Central Government to request that Marathas be recognized as SEBCs (statement I).

4. Additionally, the Maharashtra Chief Minister may meet the President of India to advocate for this classification (statement III).

5. Statement II, which suggests Maharashtra will support the Central Government by imposing conditions, is not supported by the ruling or logical course of action.

Hence, only statements I and III are plausible actions.

**Answer:** (b) Only I and III

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