Petition Against Telangana BC Reservations Dismissed

In a significant development, the Supreme Court today dismissed a petition challenging the 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in Telangana.

The apex court however asked to the petitioner to approach the jurisdictional High Court for appropriate relief. The matter is listed before the Telangana High Court on October 8.

A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta refused to entertain the plea filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by Vanga Gopal Reddy, asking why it was moved before the Supreme Court when two similar petitions were already pending before the Telangana High Court.

Appearing for the Telangana government, senior advocates Siddhartha Dave, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and A D N Rao argued that the issue was already subjudice in the High Court. The bench concurred, observing that the Supreme Court could not interfere while related cases were pending, and subsequently dismissed the petition.

Responding to a query from the bench, the petitioner's counsel contended that the High Court had not granted a stay, prompting them to approach the apex court. However, the bench questioned the rationale, stating that the absence of interim relief was not a valid ground to move the Supreme Court.

The petition had challenged the State government's GO No 9, which implements 42% BC reservations in local body seats.

Telangana ministers Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ponnam Prabhakar and Vakiti Srihari were present during the hearing.