Fri May 16 05:45:22 UTC 2025: ## Summary:
The Bombay High Court has formed a special three-judge bench, as directed by the Supreme Court, to address legal challenges to the 2024 Maharashtra law that reserves 10% of education and government jobs for the Maratha community. This law, based on the finding of “exceptional circumstances” by the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, has been controversial due to exceeding the 50% reservation cap and questions about the Maratha community’s backward status. Pending the bench’s decision, admissions and job applications under the challenged law are subject to further orders. The legal battle dates back to previous Maratha reservation laws, with the Supreme Court having struck down a prior law in 2021.
## News Article:
**Bombay High Court to Hear Challenges to Maratha Reservation Law**
**Mumbai, May 16, 2025:** The Bombay High Court has established a special three-judge bench to urgently hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2024, which provides 10% reservation in education and government jobs for the Maratha community.
The move comes following a directive from the Supreme Court, prompted by concerns that delays in resolving the issue were affecting students applying for NEET undergraduate and postgraduate exams.
The 2024 law, enacted by the previous Eknath Shinde-led government, is based on the findings of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, which cited “exceptional circumstances and extraordinary situations” to justify exceeding the 50% reservation limit.
However, critics argue that the Maratha community does not meet the criteria for backward status and that the law violates the established reservation cap. Previous attempts to provide Maratha reservations have faced legal challenges, with the Supreme Court striking down a 2018 law in 2021.
The newly formed bench, comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge, N.J. Jamadar, and Sandeep Marne, will address the public interest litigations and petitions related to the 2024 Act. While a date for the hearing has not yet been announced, the High Court has stated that admissions and job applications made under the challenged law will be subject to the bench’s future orders. This case remains a critical point of contention, with significant implications for social justice, caste politics, and the balance of power in Maharashtra.
First Piper 