- (1.) By a judgment impugned in Civil Appeal No. 1464-1466 of 2017, the High Court of Rajasthan struck down the Rajasthan Special Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions in the State and of Appointment and Posts in Services under the State) Act, 2015 (hereafter, 'THE ACT'). Aggrieved by the same, the State of Rajasthan preferred the above-mentioned appeals.
(2.) By THE ACT, the State of Rajasthan provided a reservation of 5 per cent in educational institutions and government services in favour of "special backward classes". As a consequence, 54% of the available opportunities became reserved for various segments of the society. Hence the litigation.
(3.) On 3.2.2017, this Court ordered: "Leave granted. An enactment of the State of Rajasthan providing for reservations in favour of certain backward classes has been struck down by the High Court by the Judgment under appeal. We are informed by learned Attorney General that pursuant to the impugned enactment, the benefits of the reservation in the matter of admission to educational institutions and employment under the State are already given by making certain appointments. We deem it appropriate to direct the appellant(s) to maintain status quo obtaining as on today. The admissions so made to the educational institutions and appointments so made by the State shall not be disturbed pending final hearing of the matter. We also make it clear that no fresh admissions and appointment shall be made pursuant to this interim order.";