SC defers hearing on pleas against Karnataka govt’s scrapping of 4% Muslim quota till April 25

On April 13, the Karnataka government’s decision to scrap 4% Muslim quota ahead of the Assembly polls came under the scanner of the Supreme Court, which questioned the order and said prima facie it appeared to be on a “highly shaky ground” and “flawed”.

The Supreme Court on April 18 deferred the hearing on a batch of pleas challenging the scrapping of the 4% Muslim quota in Karnataka, till April 25, after the State government sought time to file its reply.

A Bench of Justices K.M. Joseph and B.V. Nagarathna said the assurance given by the State government on April 13 that no quota benefits in admission to educational institutions and appointment in government jobs will be given to Vokkaligas and Lingayats will hold till April 25.

Also read: Won’t make any appointments, admissions under order scrapping 4% quota for Muslims till April 18: Karnataka govt. tells SC

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State government, said he has to argue before the Constitution Bench on same-sex marriage and they will compile the reply on the issue of quota over the weekend.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for some of the petitioners challenging the scrapping of the quota, did not object to the State's request but said they be given the reply over the weekend, so that they could go through it before the next date of hearing on April 25.

The Bench then listed the matter for further hearing on April 25.

On April 13, the Karnataka government's decision to scrap 4% Muslim quota ahead of the Assembly polls came under the scanner of the Supreme Court, which questioned the government order and said prima facie it appeared to be on a "highly shaky ground" and "flawed".