SC Questions Karnataka Government’s Decision to Scrap Muslim Quota in job, education

New Delhi (India), April 14, 2023: The recent decision by the Karnataka government to eliminate a four percent quota for Muslims in government jobs and education has been met with criticism from the Supreme Court.

The court expressed concerns that the move was based on “highly shaky ground” and appeared to be “flawed” as it questioned the rationale behind the decision just weeks before state assembly elections.

Several Muslim groups and individuals filed petitions against the decision, arguing that it violates constitutional principles of equality and secularism by discriminating against Muslims.

The government defended its decision by citing recommendations from a commission that examined the socio-economic status of different communities in the state, but the court expressed doubts over the commission’s report and asked for more evidence to support the decision.

The court adjourned the hearing until April 18 and asked for responses from the Karnataka government and representatives of the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, who were the beneficiaries of the scrapped Muslim quota.

The government agreed not to make any appointments or admissions based on the decision until then.