Postgraduate students of medical and dental courses from the general category are awaiting the order by the Bombay High Court on a slew of petitions against the passage of SEBC Act last year providing 16% reservation in jobs and education to Maratha community. The high court is expected to deliver its judgement on June 26. These petitioners argued that Marathas historically belonged to the warrior class and most of them, at present, hold government jobs or are employed in the Army. Further, they argued that 16% quota to Marathas was in breach of judgements delivered by the Supreme Court that prescribed an upper limit of 50% for caste and community-based quota. The state government had strongly defended its decision to pass the SEBC Act and it was based on the recommendations of the Justice MB Gaikwad-led Backward Class Commission. However, the petitioners submitted that the Commission report was based on 'unsound' findings and said that the Marathas were not socially backward. A member of Parents and Students Association told DNA that the fate of reservation for Maratha students in postgraduate medical and dental courses depends on the Bombay High Court's judgement. Further, the general category students are also exploring legal option to file a petition against the Supreme Court's order upholding the Maharashtra government's ordinance allowing 16% reservation under Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SCBC) category in the current academic year. Another member of the Parents and Students Association said, "We are currently studying the Supreme Court order with our legal team. We will take a call on whether or not to approach the court again."

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