Bench curbs exceed-50% reservations, signaling judicial checks on affirmative action amid 2025 admission cycles.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued stays on enhanced OBC quotas today, restraining state implementations in recruitments and admissions. This follows Supreme Court scrutiny, capping reservations at 50% to preserve merit pools.
In a $200 billion education sector, the verdict affects 2 lakh annual judicial and academic hires, where quotas cover 27% seats. Policy tensions rise: States push 60% inclusions for equity, but courts cite 1992 benchmarks.
Innovation in merit-tracking AI could resolve disputes, adopted by 20% institutions. Consumer access: 70% rural aspirants rely on quotas, per NSSO.
Economically, balanced hiring sustains 5 million jobs, minimizing brain drain costs at 10,000 crore yearly. The rulings fortify inclusive growth without dilution.
