Introduction:

In a landmark decision on June 20, 2024, the Patna High Court has nullified the Bihar Reservation (for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Back Classes) (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the Bihar (in admission in educational institutions) Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2023. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice Harish Kumar addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging these amendments, which sought to increase reservation quotas from 50% to 65% for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. The High Court declared the amendments ultra vires and in violation of constitutional principles of equality.

The case of Gaurav Kumar & Ors. vs. The State of Bihar (CWJC-16760/2023) brought to the forefront the contentious issue of reservation quotas in Bihar’s educational institutions. The petitioners contested the constitutionality of the Bihar Reservation (Amendment) Acts, arguing that the increased quotas were discriminatory and contrary to the principles of equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The petitioners, represented by their legal counsel, contended that the amendments violated Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth) of the Constitution. They argued that while reservations are intended to uplift historically marginalized communities, increasing quotas beyond 50% unfairly disadvantages other meritorious candidates, thus perpetuating inequality rather than remedying it.

On the other hand, the State of Bihar defended the amendments, asserting that the increase in reservation quotas was necessary to provide equitable opportunities to socially and educationally backward communities. The state argued that the amendments were a legitimate exercise of legislative power aimed at addressing historical injustices and ensuring inclusive growth.

Court’s Judgement:

After careful consideration of the arguments presented, the Division Bench of the Patna High Court ruled in favor of the petitioners. Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran, delivering the judgment, emphasized that while reservations are a crucial tool for social justice, any increase beyond 50% would disproportionately impact the rights of other deserving candidates and undermine the principles of meritocracy and equality guaranteed under the Constitution. The Court declared the Bihar Reservation (Amendment) Acts, 2023, as ultra vires and struck them down with immediate effect.