The Karnataka High Court is currently hearing multiple Public Interest Litigations (PILs) challenging the state government's increase in reservation quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), which has pushed the total reservation in education and government jobs to 56% exceeding the Supreme Court's 50% ceiling established in the landmark Indra Sawhney case (1992).
In 2022, the Karnataka government amended the reservation law, raising SC quota from 15% to 17% and ST quota from 3% to 7%, while retaining OBC reservation at 32%.Shining Diva Fashion Latest Stylish Rose Gold Austrian Crystal Bracelet For Women And Girls (11942B), Free Valentine Gift for Girlfriend
Petitioners argue that this hike is unconstitutional, lacks "extraordinary circumstances" or scientific data to justify breaching the 50% limit, and violates the right to equality under the Constitution.
They also claim the state failed to consult national SC/ST commissions as required. A Division Bench, led by the Chief Justice, is examining these pleas.Also Read: Davos 2026: Minister Pralhad Joshi Champions India’s Green Energy Leadership at World Economic Forum
The petitioners contend the enhancement infringes on equality principles without adequate justification. The state government strongly defends the decision, asserting it is proportionate to population demographics and essential for the upliftment of backward communities.
The government has recommended including the related legislation in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution (for protection from judicial review), similar to Tamil Nadu's approach, and the state assembly passed a resolution in December 2025 urging the Centre to do so. Also Read: Political Showdown in Karnataka: The ‘Ballot Battle’ and Voter Mapping Controversy Heat Up!?
Although the enhanced quotas are currently in effect, the court's final verdict will determine the law's fate. Recent Supreme Court rulings on related reservation matters (including EWS quota and creamy layer discussions) may influence the proceedings.
Interim orders from December 2025 have already restrained fresh recruitments under the enhanced quotas (allowing only pre-November 2025 notified processes to continue), adding urgency to the ongoing hearings.Also Read: MUDA Scam: Former Commissioner's Future to Be Decided Today; Important Verdict from High Court..!