The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the implementation of 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the economically weaker section of general category.
However, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said the court will examine the validity of the ‘EWS’ quota.
The top court also issued a notice to the Centre on pleas challenging the constitutional amendment that gives 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker section of the general category.
The Government will respond to the Supreme Court on the matter in four weeks.
The judges will hear a batch of petitions challenging the decision, which takes the total quotas beyond the 50 per cent cap set by the Supreme Court.
Parliament earlier this month passed a Constitution amendment bill providing for 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and education for economically weaker sections in the general category.
The proposed quota would be over and above the 50 per cent reservation already available to SC/ST and other backward castes.
The major castes to benefit from the proposed law are Brahmins, Rajputs (Thakurs), Jats, Marathas, Bhumihars, several trading castes, Kapusand Kammas among other upper castes.
Influential castes such as Marathas, Kapus, Jats and Patidars have hit the streets in the past few years, seeking reservation benefits.
BJP chief Amit Shah described the bill as a “gift” to youths from poor families and said it is a lesson for political parties doing appeasement politics for years.
The Congress said it supported the bill but doubted the government’s intentions as it was merely a “gimmick” aimed at political gains in upcoming elections.