SC asks Centre why disabled candidates are allocated reserved seats even when they score above cut-off marks

Fri Sep 12 05:47:14 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns about the lack of upward mobility for disabled candidates in government jobs and exams, even when they score above the cut-off marks for the unreserved category. The court questioned why these candidates are not being moved into the general category, which effectively blocks other disabled candidates with lower scores from accessing reserved positions. The court cites a violation of Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016.

**News Article:**

**Supreme Court Questions “Stagnant” Reservation System for Disabled Candidates**

**New Delhi, September 12, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concerns regarding the current reservation system for persons with disabilities (PwD) in government jobs and exams. In a judgment delivered today, a Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta questioned why disabled candidates who score above the cut-off marks for the unreserved category are not being considered for those positions, instead remaining within the reserved category.

The court pointed out that this practice effectively prevents other disabled candidates with lower scores from accessing the reserved positions intended for them, creating a “stagnant” system that limits opportunities. Justice Mehta, who authored the verdict, stated that this situation potentially violates Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, which mandates at least 4% reservation for PwD in government establishments.

The court has sought a response from the Central government on the matter, urging a review of the current policies to ensure a more equitable and progressive system that allows for upward mobility based on merit. The ruling highlights the need for a reservation system that not only provides opportunities but also encourages advancement for disabled candidates based on their performance and capabilities.

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