The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to respond to a plea challenging the cancellation of the 5% Muslim quota in education. The petition alleges violation of fundamental rights and calls the move arbitrary, with the matter scheduled for hearing on May 4.

Mumbai, April 2: The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Maharashtra government to file its reply to a petition challenging its decision to cancel the five per cent reservation for the Muslim community in education and public employment, terming the move as “racial discrimination” and violative of fundamental rights.

HC seeks reply from Maharashtra government

A bench of Justices Riyaz Chagla and Advait Sethna asked the government to file its reply in three weeks and asked the petitioner to file a rejoinder affidavit in one week thereafter. The plea has been kept for hearing on May 4.

The court has also called for a translated copy of the Government Resolution (GR) dated February 17, 2026, by which the reservation was cancelled.