On May 16, 2025, the Bombay High Court constituted a new three-judge bench to hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2024, which grants a 10% reservation to the Maratha community in education and public employment. This bench, led by Justice Ravindra Ghuge and comprising Justices N.J. Jamadar and Sandeep Marne, was formed following a directive from the Supreme Court to expedite the hearing of these petitions.

The urgency stems from concerns raised by NEET UG and PG aspirants, who argued that delays in adjudicating the matter could adversely affect their admissions. The Supreme Court, acknowledging the potential impact on the upcoming academic session, emphasized the need for the High Court to consider interim relief measures promptly.

Previously, a different bench had been hearing the case, but proceedings were stalled due to the transfer of then Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya to the Delhi High Court. The newly formed bench is expected to address both the validity of the SEBC Act and the possibility of interim relief in the coming days.

The SEBC Act, enacted in February 2024, was based on a report by the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, which cited “exceptional circumstances” to justify the reservation, despite the Supreme Court’s earlier cap of 50% on total reservations.

Sources