Muslim Reservation Issue Reaches Bombay High Court; Maharashtra Government Defends Its 2014 Decision

Maharashtra government told Bombay High Court that Muslim reservation was not cancelled by recent order, claiming 2014 quota notification had already lapsed and new policy only clarified provisions.

Mumbai | May 01, 2026: The debate over Muslim reservation in Maharashtra has reached the Bombay High Court, with the state government filing a detailed affidavit defending its position on the issue. The government has stated that the 2014 notification granting five percent reservation to Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions had already become defunct, and the recent government resolution does not amount to its cancellation.

According to the affidavit submitted by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, the latest government order only reorganises and clarifies the framework related to the Special Backward Category (A), which included socially and educationally backward Muslim groups. The state has argued that no new withdrawal of reservation has taken place under the recent decision.

The government has further stated that earlier decisions and circulars issued since 2014 have been withdrawn as part of administrative restructuring. As per the revised policy, issuance of caste certificates and non-creamy layer certificates for the concerned Muslim groups under the earlier framework has also been discontinued.

The matter came under judicial scrutiny after a petition was filed by advocate Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi through advocate Nitin Satpute, challenging the state’s decision. The petition argues that the government’s recent actions effectively nullify reservation benefits previously available to eligible Muslim communities.The Bombay High Court took cognisance of the petition and had earlier directed the state government to clarify its stand through an affidavit. Following this, the state has formally submitted its response, strongly objecting to the petition itself and seeking its dismissal on the grounds that it is not maintainable.

The government has requested the court to reject the petition, maintaining that the issue raised does not constitute a fresh withdrawal of reservation but is instead a continuation of policy clarification. The case is expected to come up for hearing on May 4, where further arguments from both sides are likely to be heard.

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