Chhattisgarh HC seeks govt reply on plea for 10% EWS quota implementation
Chhattisgarh HC
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh HC has directed the state government to file a reply within four weeks to a petition seeking implementation of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation in government services.
The petitioner has been asked to submit a rejoinder within two weeks thereafter.
Petitioner Pushparaj Singh filed a writ petition through counsel Yogesh Chandra, stating that while other states have implemented 10% reservation for the EWS general category in public employment, Chhattisgarh is yet to do so, despite the Chhattisgarh Public Service Ordinance, 2019, already being in effect.
Justice Amitesh Kishore Prasad's single bench heard the matter.
The court was informed that Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of India were amended on 12 January 2019, empowering states to provide 10% reservation to the EWS category.
The Union of India implemented this 10% EWS reservation on 19 January 2019. Subsequently, Section 4 of the ordinance and Public Service Amendment Ordinance issued by the Chhattisgarh government on 4 September 2019, proposed 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections.
The petitioners had also submitted a representation in this regard on 29 April 2024.
During the hearing, the counsel argued that based on the constitutional amendment, which empowers state governments to provide EWS reservation, it has been implemented in other Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Individuals belonging to the EWS category are entitled to a maximum of 10% reservation in public employment as per the constitutional amendment.
After arguments, the High Court directed the state government to file its reply within four weeks, following which the petitioner will have two weeks to submit a rejoinder. The next hearing will be scheduled after this.
Meanwhile, petitioners' counsel Yogesh Chandra informed a media outlet that the High Court had ordered the state government to file its response by 28 March 2025, and four weeks have since passed. The state government is yet to file its reply, the counsel said.
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