In a significant development, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday rejected the Centre’s move to create a sub-quota for minorities on religion basis. 

A division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar said that there was no rationale in providing reservation to minorities on the basis of religion. The division bench passed its order in response to a PIL challenging the creation of a 4.5% sub-quota for notified minority groups, including Muslims, out of the 27 percent reservation meant for OBCs (Other Backward Classes). 

The bench heard the arguments and reserved its judgment last month.

Backward community leader R Krishnaiah and others had filed separate petitions in the HC challenging the central government’s decision to create sub-quota. 

The Centre has earlier defended its decision stating that reservation to minorities was provided based on their backwardness but not on basis of religion and the sub-quota was meant for equitable distribution of benefits amongst communities concerned. (ZEE News)