Panchamasali reservation: K'taka HC stays high-level committee's work
Bengaluru, Aug 20: The Karnataka High Court has issued an interim stay on the high-level committee, which was tasked to suggest whether the Panchamasali sub-sect of Lingayats was eligible for inclusion in the 2A Category of reservations.
The state government on March 10, 2021 tasked the three-member committee headed by retired High Court judge, Justice Subhash B Adi to suggest whether Panchamasalis, currently in 3B Category could be moved to 2A Category.
The Karnataka State Backward Castes' Federation moved the court challenging the terms of reference given to the committee.
The Federation claimed that the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes is the only authority which can decide the inclusion or exclusion of any caste from the list of Backward Classes. Therefore, the terms of reference given to the committee was not in the law.
The committee was formed by way of a government order. The Federation claimed that there was no such provision under the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes Act 1995.
A single judge bench has heard the petition earlier this year and referred it to a division bench as it had to answer a substantial question of law. A division bench of the court on Friday gave a stay on the proceedings of the committee and adjourned the hearing to August 24.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
