A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Monday was told that reservation ceiling fixed at 50 per cent cannot be breached and the court should not re-examine the Indra Sawhney case (Mandal Commission) verdict.
Citing Article 16 (4) of the Constitution, he added that this does not use the word proportionate, but rather used “adequate representation” for socially and economically backward classes.
Datar contended that if there is any need to revisit the 50 per cent ceiling, which was pronounced in the nine-judge bench in the Indra Sawhney case, then it can be done through a constitutional amendment. He added that the 50 per cent ceiling is important part of right to equality, taking into consideration social dynamics, and it has been maintained for close to three decades.
Senior advocate Shyam Divan, also representing petitioners against Maratha reservation, cited various judgements during the day-long hearing, He insisted there is no need to refer the matter to a 11-judge bench.
“Please do not allow reservation in that category. This should be completely on merits,” he said, noting that the general category faces stiff competition as 72 percent of seats in medical PG courses are reserved for different categories.
The top court will continue to hear the matter on Tuesday.
