Overview

• The Telangana High Court stayed G.O.Ms. 9, 41 and 42 that raised Backward Classes reservations in local bodies to 42%, saying the move would push total quotas to about 67% and violate Supreme Court limits.
• In its detailed order, the court said elections may proceed under the previous reservation pattern by notifying the additional seats as open category, even as the State Election Commission has paused activities pending clarity.
• The state government says it will file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court to restore the 42% quota, with senior leaders coordinating in New Delhi to finalise the appeal.
• Litigation timelines were set with four weeks for the state’s counter and two weeks for petitioners’ replies, and the matter posted for further hearing in about six weeks.
• Backward Classes organisations announced a statewide bandh on October 14 to protest the stay on the enhanced reservation.