- KR Bharat
- 2025-10-07
The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in the Telangana government's recent decision to enhance the reservation for Backward Classes (OBCs) to 42% in local body elections. This move, formalized through Government Order No. 9 issued on September 26, 2025, brings the total reservation in Telangana’s local bodies to 67% — including 15% for Scheduled Castes and 10% for Scheduled Tribes. The state justified the increase based on a recent caste survey, which indicated that OBCs constitute over 56% of the state's population. The government also passed amendments to the Panchayat Raj and Municipalities Acts to remove the earlier 50% cap on reservations in local bodies.
A petition challenging this order was filed directly in the Supreme Court under Article 32, arguing that it violates both the statutory cap and previous Supreme Court rulings that discourage exceeding 50% reservation. However, the apex court declined to entertain the plea, directing the petitioner to approach the Telangana High Court instead, where similar challenges are already pending. While this effectively allows the state government’s move to stand for now, the legality of breaching the 50% ceiling remains contentious and will likely be addressed in future court hearings.
