Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday extended the interim stay on the GOs that increased the Backward Class (BC) quota in local body elections from 24% to 42%. The bench confirmed that the stay on GOs 9, 41, and 42 would remain in force until it issues further directions.
A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin passed the order during a hearing involving multiple petitions. The petitioners, including Buttengari Madhav Reddy from Medchal-Malkajgiri district, questioned the legality of the state government’s decision to enhance BC reservations. They argued that the increase violated constitutional guidelines on quota limits.
In response, several Congress leaders filed petitions seeking to support the government’s move. They requested the court to list them as respondents and allow them to present arguments in favour of the reservation enhancement.
BC quota local polls row to continue as court seeks affidavits
During the hearing, the government’s counsel requested more time to file counter affidavits. The bench accepted the plea and granted four weeks for filing counters. It also directed the petitioners to submit their replies within two weeks after receiving the state’s response.
The court clarified that the stay on the implementation of the three GOs would remain in effect during this period. The next hearing will be scheduled after both sets of documents are submitted.
The government had issued the three GOs earlier this year to implement the revised quota structure in upcoming elections to local bodies. The hike in reservations drew criticism from several quarters, leading to legal challenges. The petitions argued that the enhancement lacked adequate justification and data.
