While hearing a bunch of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed against reservation for Marathas and Muslims in Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing till August 26.
The State government has not yet filed a reply to the PILs. Advocate General Darius Khambatta who appeared for the State, told the court that the petitioner had not yet amended his PIL, so the State could not file a reply till date.
“We are waiting for the amendment of petition. Once that happens, we will file a reply,” Mr. Khambatta said.
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The petitioners sought interim relief on the grounds that the government had already started issuing caste certificates, which may be used for the upcoming medical college admissions.
But the court refused to hear the arguments before giving the State government time to file a reply.
Thereafter, the court directed the State government to file a reply by August 19. Rejoinders, if any, will have to be filed by August 22. The court will then hear the petitions on merit on August 26.
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Four PILs have been filed in the court, challenging the Maharashtra government’s decision to grant reservation to the Maratha and Muslim community. One petition has claimed that the reservation to Muslims is unconstitutional, as the Constitution does not permit religion-based reservation.
The PILs have claimed the State government has taken the decision to earn political gains out of it.