Court stands on the side of justice
The Telangana State Government’s decision to provide 42% reservations for Backward Classes in local body elections has gained a crucial moral boost as the High Court chose not to impose any interim stay on G.O. No. 9. The government, through this G.O., amended Section 285(A) of the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018 — effectively removing the 50% ceiling on reservations. The amendment and the G.O. were framed based on the findings of the State Social Caste Survey and the recommendations of the Dedication Commission.
Arguing on behalf of the government in the Supreme Court, senior advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended the G.O., emphasizing that the measure was constitutionally justified and socially imperative.
Reacting to the developments, Dundra Kumaraswamy, National President of the BC Dal, welcomed the High Court’s decision not to suspend G.O. No. 9. He described it as “a positive step that reflects the judiciary’s inclination toward justice.”
Kumaraswamy stated that the BC Dal and several BC organizations stood firmly in support of G.O. No. 9 during the day’s proceedings. He expressed confidence that “the Telangana High Court will ultimately uphold justice and protect the legitimate rights of the BC communities.”
Referring to the petitions filed against the government’s move, he said, “Contrary to what the anti-reservation lobby expected, the court has not stayed the local body election process. This itself is a major moral victory — nearly 90% of the cause for BCs is already won.”
He reiterated that the government’s decision was based on empirical data, constitutional principles, and the spirit of social justice — a stance that the judiciary appears to be respecting.
