SC okays 4 pc quota to backward Muslims

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed 4 per cent reservation in educational institutions and jobs for Muslims of backward communities in Andhra Pradesh.  To this effect, an interim order was passed by the court on Thursday.

An apex court bench comprising Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justices JM Panchal and BS Chauhan passed the order after hearing a petition filed by Andhra Pradesh Government challenging the verdict of the High Court striking down a state law providing 4 per cent reservation to Muslims in educational institutions and jobs.

The Supreme Court order stated that reservation will be available to those Muslims who fall under the 14 categories mentioned in the Schedule of the Reservation in favour of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes of Muslims Act, 2007.

According to the Supreme Court sources, Thursday's interim order indicated that a Constitution bench will be set up to decide the issue. The bench is likely to meet in August.

As reported  earlier, a seven-judge Constitution bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court by a majority judgement of 5:2 held that the law providing 4 per cent reservation to backward class Muslims in the state was "unsustainable" and violative of Article 14, 15(1) and 16 (2) of the Constitution.

Attorney General GE Vahanvati mentioned the appeal on behalf of Andhra Pradesh government before a Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and sought an urgent hearing as the issue is important and requires arguments.