Manoj Jarange Patil, the face of Maharashtra’s Maratha reservation movement, is once again at the centre of a major political and law-and-order controversy.&nbsp;Jarange has announced a march towards Mumbai and plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan over his demand for reservation benefits for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.&nbsp;The proposed mobilisation comes during Ganeshotsav, when Mumbai is already witnessing large crowds and heightened security, putting the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police on alert.&nbsp;Mumbai Police has however, denied him permission to protest on 19th September in Mumbai.<h2>Who is Manoj Jarange Patil?</h2>Manoj Jarange Patil is a Maratha activist from Maharashtra's Jalna district. He has been associated with the Maratha reservation movement for more than a decade and has emerged as its most prominent face in recent years.&nbsp;Jarange became a major political figure in 2023 when he began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, demanding reservation for Marathas.&nbsp;His agitation gained statewide attention after a confrontation between police and protesters on September 1, 2023, when police used tear gas and resorted to a lathicharge. The incident triggered widespread protests and transformed Jarange into the most recognisable face of the Maratha quota movement.&nbsp;Since then, he has held multiple hunger strikes and negotiations with successive Maharashtra governments.<h2>Why do Marathas want reservation?</h2>The Maratha community is one of Maharashtra's largest communities and has traditionally had a significant presence in agriculture, politics and public life.&nbsp;However, sections of the community argue that they are facing growing economic distress, unemployment, declining agricultural incomes and difficulties accessing higher education and government employment.

Maharashtra introduced a separate reservation for Marathas in 2018 under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes category. The quota was initially 16 per cent. But in 2021, the Supreme Court struck down the Maratha reservation law, saying the circumstances did not justify breaching the 50 per cent reservation ceiling.This legal setback is at the heart of the current agitation.<h2>What is the Kunbi certificate demand?</h2>Jarange's current demand is closely linked to the Kunbi community. Kunbis are classified as OBCs and are therefore entitled to reservation benefits under the existing OBC quota. Jarange argues that historical records show that sections of the Maratha community have Kunbi ancestry. He wants eligible Marathas to be issued Kunbi caste certificates, allowing them to access OBC reservation benefits. The movement has referred to historical documents, including records from the Hyderabad Nizam era and the Satara Gazette. Jarange is also demanding implementation of the government's decisions concerning 'Sage Soyare', under which eligible blood relatives of people recognised as Kunbis could also potentially obtain Kunbi certificates. The government says it has already taken several steps, including identifying historical records and issuing Kunbi certificates. But Jarange maintains that the implementation is inadequate.<h2>Why is Jarange fasting again?</h2>Jarange began his latest indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati on August 29, describing it as another phase of his campaign for Maratha reservation. His demands include issuing Kunbi certificates to eligible Marathas, implementing historical records, withdrawing cases registered against Maratha protesters and providing assistance or jobs to families of people who died during earlier reservation agitations. He had given the government a deadline to act on his demands. After talks failed to produce the breakthrough he wanted, Jarange announced that the agitation would now move to Mumbai.<h2>Why is the Mumbai protest controversial?</h2>Jarange has called on Maratha supporters from across Maharashtra to travel to Mumbai. The proposed march is particularly sensitive because it coincides with Ganeshotsav, one of Mumbai's biggest annual festivals. Authorities are concerned about traffic management, security and the impact of a large political mobilisation during a period when lakhs of people are already on the streets. The Maharashtra government has urged Jarange to reconsider holding the protest in Mumbai during the festival. Jarange, however, has maintained that the agitation will be peaceful and democratic. He has asked his supporters to maintain discipline while insisting that he will not back down from his demands.<h2>Mumbai Police deny permission</h2>The confrontation escalated further after Mumbai Police denied permission for Jarange's proposed protest. Authorities have cited concerns relating to public order and the management of large gatherings and processions during Ganeshotsav. Jarange has rejected the decision and reiterated that he intends to reach Mumbai and sit on an indefinite fast at Azad Maidan. The issue has also reached the Bombay High Court, which has not barred Jarange from coming to Mumbai, while authorities retain the power to take lawful measures to maintain public order.<h2>Jarange alleges a conspiracy</h2>The agitation has taken another serious turn after Jarange alleged that there was a conspiracy to shoot him during the proposed Mumbai march. Jarange has claimed that attempts are being made to disrupt his mobilisation and has said he is prepared to face death but will not surrender his demand. These are allegations made by Jarange and have not been independently established. The controversy has also triggered political accusations, with opposition leaders accusing the Maharashtra government of mishandling the situation. The government, meanwhile, maintains that it has to balance the Maratha community's demands with the legal rights of existing OBC beneficiaries.<h2>Why does the Maratha quota issue matter politically?</h2>The Maratha reservation issue is far bigger than one activist or one hunger strike.Jarange does not hold elected office, but his ability to mobilise large sections of the Maratha community has given him considerable political influence in Maharashtra. The government faces a difficult balancing act: it must respond to a longstanding demand from a politically influential community while ensuring that any reservation decision survives judicial scrutiny. At the same time, OBC organisations have raised concerns that extending Kunbi certificates to large numbers of Marathas could increase competition for benefits within the existing OBC quota.That is the core of the controversy. Jarange wants eligible Marathas to receive OBC benefits through the Kunbi route based on historical records. The government says it has already taken steps but must operate within the constitutional and legal framework. With Jarange now planning a march to Mumbai during Ganeshotsav, the Maratha quota dispute has once again become one of Maharashtra's biggest political, legal and law-and-order challenges.

Jarange became a major political figure in 2023 when he began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, demanding reservation for Marathas.

Manoj Jarange Patil, the face of Maharashtra’s Maratha reservation movement, is once again at the centre of a major political and law-and-order controversy. Jarange has announced a march towards Mumbai and plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan over his demand for reservation benefits for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The proposed mobilisation comes during Ganeshotsav, when Mumbai is already witnessing large crowds and heightened security, putting the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police on alert. Mumbai Police has however, denied him permission to protest on 19th September in Mumbai. Who is Manoj Jarange Patil? Manoj Jarange Patil is a Maratha activist from Maharashtra's Jalna district. He has been associated with the Maratha reservation movement for more than a decade and has emerged as its most prominent face in recent years. Jarange became a major political figure in 2023 when he began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, demanding reservation for Marathas. His agitation gained statewide attention after a confrontation between police and protesters on September 1, 2023, when police used tear gas and resorted to a lathicharge. The incident triggered widespread protests and transformed Jarange into the most recognisable face of the Maratha quota movement. Since then, he has held multiple hunger strikes and negotiations with successive Maharashtra governments. Why do Marathas want reservation? The Maratha community is one of Maharashtra's largest communities and has traditionally had a significant presence in agriculture, politics and public life. However, sections of the community argue that they are facing growing economic distress, unemployment, declining agricultural incomes and difficulties accessing higher education and government employment.

Jarange became a major political figure in 2023 when he began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, demanding reservation for Marathas.

Who is Manoj Jarange Patil? Why is he fasting and what is the Maratha quota controversy?

The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Tuesday (Feb 20) approved a bill to grant 10% reservation in education and government&nbsp;jobs to Marathas above the 50 per cent constitutional cap. The bill for 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community was approved by the state government headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. It was tabled in the state&nbsp;legislative assembly in a special one-day session and was subsequently passed.&nbsp;

The state government has approved the Maratha reservation based on a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC) headed by chairman Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre. 
 
The MBCC proposed a 10 per cent reservation for Marathas in education and jobs, similar to that of the previous bill brought in 2018 by the then-state government. 
 
This is the third time in a decade that the state has introduced legislation for the Maratha quota.

The Maratha reservation bill approved on Tuesday is similar to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018, introduced by the then-Devendra Fadnavis government.

<h2>Why Marathas have been demanding&nbsp;reservation?</h2>

The government says that the Maratha community constitutes 28% of the state's population and a significant portion of Maratha families fall below the poverty line, with 21.22% holding yellow ration cards, exceeding the state average of 17.4%. 
 
A survey indicates that 94 per cent of farmer suicides in Maharashtra involve Maratha families. 
 
Moreover, 84 per cent of Maratha families do not fall under the 'progressed' category, making them eligible for reservation as outlined in the bill.

The Marathas are a historically dominant community in the state of Maharashtra, the official language of which (Marathi) derives its name from the warrior community. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Maratha Empire spanned 80 per cent territory of modern-day India and was a major military and political force even the British had to make great efforts to subdue before establishing colonial reign over India. 
 
Watch | India: Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Maratha Quota Bill'

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The bill was tabled in the legislature during a special session called after months of agitation led by Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, who&nbsp;is currently on a hunger strike in Jalna district of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra already offers a 10 per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and the Maratha&nbsp;community has been the biggest beneficiary of this in the past.

MBCC submitted a report on the social and educational backwardness of the Maratha community after what it said was a survey of 25 million households in the state in a span of just nine days. Critics of the survey allege that the number of households visited is not as high as it is being described.

This is not the first time Maratha reservation has been approved by the Maharashtra government. In 2014, the then-state chief minister Prithviraj Chavan approved a 16 per cent reservation for Marathas and promulgated an ordinance. But the measure was stayed by the Bombay High Court.

In 2018, the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act was passed by the government headed by then-chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Sixteen per cent reservation was granted.

<h2>Legal battle ahead?</h2>

Attempts by state governments to introduce reservations for Marathas have faced legal challenges, with previous efforts being struck down by courts. However, the persistence of protests and the political significance of the Maratha community have led to repeated revivals of this sensitive issue, given that the community constitutes a significant portion of Maharashtra's population. 
 
In 2021, the Supreme Court invalidated reservations for Marathas in college admissions and employment in Maharashtra citing a lack of exceptional circumstances to justify breaching the 50% cap on overall reservations. Despite the rejection of a review plea, the state government pursued a curative petition in its quest to uphold Maratha reservations.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Tuesday (Feb 20) approved a bill to grant 10% reservation in education and government jobs to Marathas above the 50 per cent constitutional cap.

The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Tuesday (Feb 20) approved a bill to grant 10% reservation in education and government jobs to Marathas above the 50 per cent constitutional cap. The bill for 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community was approved by the state government headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. It was tabled in the state legislative assembly in a special one-day session and was subsequently passed. The state government has approved the Maratha reservation based on a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC) headed by chairman Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre. The MBCC proposed a 10 per cent reservation for Marathas in education and jobs, similar to that of the previous bill brought in 2018 by the then-state government. This is the third time in a decade that the state has introduced legislation for the Maratha quota. The Maratha reservation bill approved on Tuesday is similar to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018, introduced by the then-Devendra Fadnavis government. Why Marathas have been demanding reservation? The government says that the Maratha community constitutes 28% of the state's population and a significant portion of Maratha families fall below the poverty line, with 21.22% holding yellow ration cards, exceeding the state average of 17.4%. A survey indicates that 94 per cent of farmer suicides in Maharashtra involve Maratha families. Moreover, 84 per cent of Maratha families do not fall under the 'progressed' category, making them eligible for reservation as outlined in the bill. The Marathas are a historically dominant community in the state of Maharashtra, the official language of which (Marathi) derives its name from the warrior community. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Maratha Empire spanned 80 per cent territory of modern-day India and was a major military and political force even the British had to make great efforts to subdue before establishing colonial reign over India. Watch | India: Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Maratha Quota Bill' × The bill was tabled in the legislature during a special session called after months of agitation led by Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, who is currently on a hunger strike in Jalna district of Maharashtra. Maharashtra already offers a 10 per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and the Maratha community has been the biggest beneficiary of this in the past. MBCC submitted a report on the social and educational backwardness of the Maratha community after what it said was a survey of 25 million households in the state in a span of just nine days. Critics of the survey allege that the number of households visited is not as high as it is being described. This is not the first time Maratha reservation has been approved by the Maharashtra government. In 2014, the then-state chief minister Prithviraj Chavan approved a 16 per cent reservation for Marathas and promulgated an ordinance. But the measure was stayed by the Bombay High Court. In 2018, the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act was passed by the government headed by then-chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Sixteen per cent reservation was granted. Legal battle ahead? Attempts by state governments to introduce reservations for Marathas have faced legal challenges, with previous efforts being struck down by courts. However, the persistence of protests and the political significance of the Maratha community have led to repeated revivals of this sensitive issue, given that the community constitutes a significant portion of Maharashtra's population. In 2021, the Supreme Court invalidated reservations for Marathas in college admissions and employment in Maharashtra citing a lack of exceptional circumstances to justify breaching the 50% cap on overall reservations. Despite the rejection of a review plea, the state government pursued a curative petition in its quest to uphold Maratha reservations. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Maratha reservation bill passed unanimously in Maharashtra assembly

Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil who has been at the forefront of the recent agitation demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra, called off his march to Mumbai on Friday (Jan 26).&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Manoj Jarange-Patil?</h2>

Jarange-Patil, 40, leading tens of thousands of Maratha reservation supporters&nbsp;hails from Maharashtra’s Beed district. He settled in Shahgad&nbsp;village in&nbsp;Jalna district&nbsp;after he got married. In 2009 he joined the decades-long movement to secure reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and education.&nbsp;

Initially, Jarange-Patil was a part of the Congress party but later created his own outfit called Shivba Sanghatana to organise protests.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Maharashtra's Maratha movement explained

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In 2021, when the Supreme Court struck down the Maratha reservation quota altogether after decades of back and forth he participated in demonstrations across the state and reportedly sold his land to meet his daily needs.&nbsp;

However, it was not until September last year that Jarange-Patil became a prominent figure after he went on a hunger strike. On the 4th day of his strike, a police contingent allegedly tried to forcibly take him to a government hospital.&nbsp;

Subsequently, clashes broke out where police baton-charged and fired tear gas at his supporters. Many Maratha activists complained that a large number of protestors were beaten up and “police brutality” made headlines across the nation.&nbsp;

Over the next few months, he became the face of the Maratha reservation movement. Jarange-Patil had announced his march to Mumbai, on December 26 and said he would hold a fast unto death at the city’s Azad Maidan.&nbsp;

<h2>Jarange-Patil’s march to Mumbai</h2>

In a last-ditch attempt to stop him and his thousands of supporters from entering the city, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government, on Friday morning put forth a new set of proposals.&nbsp;

Following the negotiations, Jarange-Patil told reporters that he would stay in Vashi, an area in Navi Mumbai until tomorrow (Jan 27). He also said that the government officials have submitted a fresh proposal which he will study, consult his team, and then take a final decision on it.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maratha-quota-march-thousands-of-protesters-to-reach-mumbai-on-january-26-section-144-imposed-683567">Maratha quota march: Thousands of protesters to reach Mumbai on January 26; section 144 imposed</a>

Jarange-Patil has put forth a new list of demands before the state government asking them to bring in an ordinance by Friday (Jan 26) night, which includes amending the free education policy to include all Marathas until the benefit of reservation becomes available for the entire community.

The Maratha reservation activist has also sought data on the 3,700,000 Kunbi certificates that have been issued by the state government, as per their ongoing exercise. The ordinance should also assure that the family members of all those who will receive Kunbi caste certificates under this exercise will also be entitled to nominations based on those certificates, as per his demands.&nbsp;

Jarange-Patil also demanded that no government posts should be filled till Marathas get reservation. However, if they do decide to fill those vacancies, the posts for those belonging to the community should be kept aside.&nbsp;

The Maratha activist has also asked for all cases against protesters of the movement over the years to be withdrawn.&nbsp;

“I am taking a step backwards,” the 40-year-old activist said, adding that he had stopped having food from Friday and was drinking water. “If an ordinance is not promulgated tonight, I will come to Mumbai tomorrow.”&nbsp;

“I will take decision on going to Azad Maidan tomorrow at noon. Once I set out, there will be no turning back,” Jarange-Patil warned.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maratha-quota-stir-manoj-jarange-reaches-mumbai-with-thousands-of-supporters-683861">Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange reaches Mumbai with thousands of supporters</a>

The Shinde-led government’s proposal and Jarange-Patil’s demands come as tens of thousands of people are standing at Mumbai’s borders to enter the city.&nbsp;

The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota is&nbsp;announced.

Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community by passing an act in 2018, following widespread protests.

However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely.&nbsp;

<h2>Mumbai police’s warning</h2>

The Mumbai&nbsp;police had denied permission to&nbsp;the protesters to gather at Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maratha-protest-maharashtra-state-backward-class-commission-panel-members-quit-citing-govt-interference-669380">Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference</a>

It&nbsp;also issued a notice under section 149 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) which enables them to prevent any cognisable offence. It noted that up to 65,00,000 people travel in Mumbai every day, and if the protesters enter with their vehicles the daily transport system in the city will collapse.

The police also warned that if the protesters did not adhere to the notice they would be held in contempt of orders of the High Court and Supreme Court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil who has been at the forefront of the recent agitation demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra, called off his march to Mumbai on Friday (Jan 26).

Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil who has been at the forefront of the recent agitation demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra, called off his march to Mumbai on Friday (Jan 26). Who is Manoj Jarange-Patil? Jarange-Patil, 40, leading tens of thousands of Maratha reservation supporters hails from Maharashtra’s Beed district. He settled in Shahgad village in Jalna district after he got married. In 2009 he joined the decades-long movement to secure reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and education. Initially, Jarange-Patil was a part of the Congress party but later created his own outfit called Shivba Sanghatana to organise protests. WATCH | Maharashtra's Maratha movement explained In 2021, when the Supreme Court struck down the Maratha reservation quota altogether after decades of back and forth he participated in demonstrations across the state and reportedly sold his land to meet his daily needs. However, it was not until September last year that Jarange-Patil became a prominent figure after he went on a hunger strike. On the 4th day of his strike, a police contingent allegedly tried to forcibly take him to a government hospital. Subsequently, clashes broke out where police baton-charged and fired tear gas at his supporters. Many Maratha activists complained that a large number of protestors were beaten up and “police brutality” made headlines across the nation. Over the next few months, he became the face of the Maratha reservation movement. Jarange-Patil had announced his march to Mumbai, on December 26 and said he would hold a fast unto death at the city’s Azad Maidan. Jarange-Patil’s march to Mumbai In a last-ditch attempt to stop him and his thousands of supporters from entering the city, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government, on Friday morning put forth a new set of proposals. Following the negotiations, Jarange-Patil told reporters that he would stay in Vashi, an area in Navi Mumbai until tomorrow (Jan 27). He also said that the government officials have submitted a fresh proposal which he will study, consult his team, and then take a final decision on it. ALSO READ | Maratha quota march: Thousands of protesters to reach Mumbai on January 26; section 144 imposed Jarange-Patil has put forth a new list of demands before the state government asking them to bring in an ordinance by Friday (Jan 26) night, which includes amending the free education policy to include all Marathas until the benefit of reservation becomes available for the entire community. The Maratha reservation activist has also sought data on the 3,700,000 Kunbi certificates that have been issued by the state government, as per their ongoing exercise. The ordinance should also assure that the family members of all those who will receive Kunbi caste certificates under this exercise will also be entitled to nominations based on those certificates, as per his demands. Jarange-Patil also demanded that no government posts should be filled till Marathas get reservation. However, if they do decide to fill those vacancies, the posts for those belonging to the community should be kept aside. The Maratha activist has also asked for all cases against protesters of the movement over the years to be withdrawn. “I am taking a step backwards,” the 40-year-old activist said, adding that he had stopped having food from Friday and was drinking water. “If an ordinance is not promulgated tonight, I will come to Mumbai tomorrow.” “I will take decision on going to Azad Maidan tomorrow at noon. Once I set out, there will be no turning back,” Jarange-Patil warned. ALSO WATCH | Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange reaches Mumbai with thousands of supporters The Shinde-led government’s proposal and Jarange-Patil’s demands come as tens of thousands of people are standing at Mumbai’s borders to enter the city. The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota is announced. Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community by passing an act in 2018, following widespread protests. However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely. Mumbai police’s warning The Mumbai police had denied permission to the protesters to gather at Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar. ALSO READ | Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference It also issued a notice under section 149 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) which enables them to prevent any cognisable offence. It noted that up to 65,00,000 people travel in Mumbai every day, and if the protesters enter with their vehicles the daily transport system in the city will collapse. The police also warned that if the protesters did not adhere to the notice they would be held in contempt of orders of the High Court and Supreme Court. (With inputs from agencies)

Maratha quota march: Who is Manoj Jarange-Patil, activist who gathered thousands of protesters in Mumbai?

Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will start from March 17 the final hearing on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law, which grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs.

Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will start from March 17 the final hearing on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law, which grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs. A division bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Deepak Gupta refused to pass an interim order and said, "We will hear on March 17, no adjournment will be granted and all pleadings will be completed by then. We will hear the matter finally and pass the order. We are not staying it. Already there is an order that all appointments will be subject to the outcome of this petition." The bench was hearing two appeals, including one filed by J Laxman Rao Patil challenging the Bombay High Court order that upheld the constitutional validity of the quota for the Maratha community in education and government jobs in Maharashtra. During the hearing of the case in the top court, senior advocate Gopalshankar Narayan appearing for the petitioner asked the bench to stay the High Court order as the reservation today is 65 per cent in education and 62 per cent in jobs, exceeding 50 per cent cap in total reservation. Also Read: Maharashtra Assembly passes SEBC Amendment Bill paving way for Maratha reservation The Bombay High Court had on June 27, 2019, said the 50 per cent cap on total reservations imposed by the Supreme Court could be exceeded in exceptional circumstances. Another appeal filed by advocate Sanjeet Shukla, a representative of "Youth for Equality", said the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018, enacted to grant reservation to the Maratha community people in jobs and education, breached the 50-per cent ceiling on reservation fixed by the top court in its judgment in the Indira Sawhney case. The Maharashtra Assembly had, on November 30, 2018, passed the Maratha Reservation Bill which extended 16 per cent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to the Maratha community.

Supreme Court to start final hearing on pleas challenging Maratha reservation

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council on Monday unanimously passed the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Amendment Bill paving the way for reservation of Maratha community in jobs and education.

According to the amended bill, there will be 12 per cent reservation for Marathas in jobs and 13 per cent reservation in education.

The percentage was brought down by the Bombay High Court after it upheld the decision on Maratha reservation.

On June 27, the Bombay High Court had upheld the reservation given to the Maratha community in educational institutions and government jobs. A bench of Justices Ranjit More and Bharti Dangre, however, did not approve the quota of 16 per cent extended to the community.

The Maharashtra Assembly had, on November 30, in 2018, passed the Maratha Reservation Bill which extended 16 per cent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to the Maratha community.

Following the decision of the state legislature, several petitions were filed contending that the reservation to the community will raise the reservation in the state from 52 per cent to 68 per cent, which is 18 per cent higher than the ceiling set by the Supreme Court.

On this, the High Court had said that 50 per cent cap on the reservation can be "extended in exceptional situations".&nbsp;

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council on Monday unanimously passed the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Amendment Bill paving the way for reservation of Maratha community in jobs and education.

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council on Monday unanimously passed the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Amendment Bill paving the way for reservation of Maratha community in jobs and education. According to the amended bill, there will be 12 per cent reservation for Marathas in jobs and 13 per cent reservation in education. The percentage was brought down by the Bombay High Court after it upheld the decision on Maratha reservation. On June 27, the Bombay High Court had upheld the reservation given to the Maratha community in educational institutions and government jobs. A bench of Justices Ranjit More and Bharti Dangre, however, did not approve the quota of 16 per cent extended to the community. The Maharashtra Assembly had, on November 30, in 2018, passed the Maratha Reservation Bill which extended 16 per cent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to the Maratha community. Following the decision of the state legislature, several petitions were filed contending that the reservation to the community will raise the reservation in the state from 52 per cent to 68 per cent, which is 18 per cent higher than the ceiling set by the Supreme Court. On this, the High Court had said that 50 per cent cap on the reservation can be "extended in exceptional situations".

Maharashtra Assembly passes SEBC Amendment Bill paving way for Maratha reservation

Following is the chronology of events pertaining to the Maratha quota case:

June 2017: Maharashtra government constitutes State Backward Class Commission to study the social, financial and educational status of Maratha community.

July 2018: Sporadic violence across Maharashtra by the Maratha community demanding quota in education and government jobs.

November 15, 2018: Commission submits its report to the Maharashtra government.

November 30, 2018: Maharashtra legislature passes a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Maratha community, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government.

November 30, 2018: Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao approves and signs the bill.

December 3, 2018: Bunch of petitions filed in Bombay High Court challenging the quota decision, and terms it as violative of the Supreme Court orders which says that reservation in any state should not exceed over 50 per cent.

December 5, 2018: Bombay High Court refuses to grant interim stay on the quota decision but posts petitions for final hearing.

January 18, 2019: Maharashtra government files affidavit, standing by its decision to grant reservation to the Maratha community, and says it was meant to alleviate the "socially and economically" backward class.

February 6, 2019: A division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Bharati Dangre commences final hearing into all petitions pertaining to the Maratha reservation issue.

March 26, 2019: HC concludes hearing arguments in the petitions. Reserves its judgment.

June 24, 2019: HC says it would pronounce its verdict on the petitions on&nbsp; 
June 27.

June 27, 2019: HC upholds the constitutional validity of reservation for the Maratha community, but asks the government to reduce it from 16 per cent to 12 to 13 per cent, as recommended by the State Backward Classes Commission.&nbsp;

Following is the chronology of events pertaining to the Maratha quota case: June 2017: Maharashtra government constitutes State Backward Class Commission to study the social, financial and educational status of Maratha community.

Following is the chronology of events pertaining to the Maratha quota case: June 2017: Maharashtra government constitutes State Backward Class Commission to study the social, financial and educational status of Maratha community. July 2018: Sporadic violence across Maharashtra by the Maratha community demanding quota in education and government jobs. November 15, 2018: Commission submits its report to the Maharashtra government. November 30, 2018: Maharashtra legislature passes a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Maratha community, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government. November 30, 2018: Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao approves and signs the bill. December 3, 2018: Bunch of petitions filed in Bombay High Court challenging the quota decision, and terms it as violative of the Supreme Court orders which says that reservation in any state should not exceed over 50 per cent. December 5, 2018: Bombay High Court refuses to grant interim stay on the quota decision but posts petitions for final hearing. January 18, 2019: Maharashtra government files affidavit, standing by its decision to grant reservation to the Maratha community, and says it was meant to alleviate the "socially and economically" backward class. February 6, 2019: A division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Bharati Dangre commences final hearing into all petitions pertaining to the Maratha reservation issue. March 26, 2019: HC concludes hearing arguments in the petitions. Reserves its judgment. June 24, 2019: HC says it would pronounce its verdict on the petitions on June 27. June 27, 2019: HC upholds the constitutional validity of reservation for the Maratha community, but asks the government to reduce it from 16 per cent to 12 to 13 per cent, as recommended by the State Backward Classes Commission.

Maratha Reservations Issue: A Timeline

The passage of as bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas in Maharashtra Legislature Thursday has now made the state second in the country in terms of quota quantum.

Haryana which offers 67 per cent reservations, used to be second in the list, followed by Telangana where the quantum of quota rose to 62 per cent last year, an official said.

With the passage of the Maratha quota bill, the reservation quantum in Maharashtra will rise to 68 per cent, just a per cent less than Tamil Nadu, which tops the tally with 69 per cent reservations in various categories.

In Rajasthan, the quota quantum rose to 54 per cent last year after that government increased reservations for Gujjars and four other backward communities, the official said.

Asked how Maharashtra government will defend the increase in reservations in court, the official said, "If needed, we can submit strong data supporting our decision of awarding 16 per cent quota to Marathas."

"The Supreme Court, in a 1992 order, had put a cap on reservations in government jobs and education at 50 per cent. But in an order in July 2010, it allowed states to exceed that limit, provided they had solid scientific data to justify the increase," the official said.&nbsp;

The passage of as bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas in Maharashtra Legislature Thursday has now made the state second in the country in terms of quota quantum.

The passage of as bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas in Maharashtra Legislature Thursday has now made the state second in the country in terms of quota quantum. Haryana which offers 67 per cent reservations, used to be second in the list, followed by Telangana where the quantum of quota rose to 62 per cent last year, an official said. With the passage of the Maratha quota bill, the reservation quantum in Maharashtra will rise to 68 per cent, just a per cent less than Tamil Nadu, which tops the tally with 69 per cent reservations in various categories. In Rajasthan, the quota quantum rose to 54 per cent last year after that government increased reservations for Gujjars and four other backward communities, the official said. Asked how Maharashtra government will defend the increase in reservations in court, the official said, "If needed, we can submit strong data supporting our decision of awarding 16 per cent quota to Marathas." "The Supreme Court, in a 1992 order, had put a cap on reservations in government jobs and education at 50 per cent. But in an order in July 2010, it allowed states to exceed that limit, provided they had solid scientific data to justify the increase," the official said.

Maharashtra now second after Tamil Nadu in quota quantum "ranking"

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