Despite SC verdict, Ramadoss hopeful of Vanniyar reservation

PMK leader urges Stalin to seek data from Backward Classes panel

PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Thursday expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court verdict upholding Madras High Court order quashing the legislation which gave 10.5% exclusive reservation to Vanniyar community within the 20% reservation available to the Most Backward Classes (MBCs).

However, he said one of the positives was that the Supreme Court had rejected six out of the seven grounds on which the Madras High Court had quashed the reservation law and expressed hope that Vanniyar reservation would become a reality.

Dr. Ramadoss pointed out the apex court had said the State government had not provided data to show that Vanniyars required to be treated as a separate group within MBCs. “It is possible to get data from Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission,” he said and added referred to the Supreme Court’s remark that the State had the legislative competence to pass the Act.

He urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to immediately take measures to get the report from Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission and pass a legislation for Vanniyar reservation. The PMK would also put pressure on the State government.