Karnataka will oppose the failure of reservation enhancement

The Karnataka High Court struck down the extension of reservation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in the state. | Photo credit: File photo

After the Karnataka High Court struck down the extension of reservations for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in the state, Congress leaders said the government was exploring legal options to challenge the order and ensure continued recruitment and education. The leaders also questioned the central government’s reluctance to include the law in the Ninth Schedule.

Cabinet to discuss

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said the High Court’s verdict on strengthening reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be discussed comprehensively by the Cabinet after which the future course of action, including the possibility of an appeal to the Supreme Court, will be decided.

In an interview with media representatives, he said that if a situation arises where it is necessary to reduce the total percentage of reservations, it may be necessary to adjust the percentages within the internal reservation accordingly. While mathematically such an overhaul might not be difficult, the more serious concern is that it could reduce the opportunities available to different communities, he said.

Sudden implementation

In a statement issued after the Karnataka High Court’s judgment that struck down the increase in reservations – from 15% to 17% for SCs and from 3% to 7% for STs – the deputy chief minister said “the judgment highlights the irresponsibility of the previous BJP government and the continued neglect of the BJP-led central government”.

“Why did the previous BJP government suddenly introduce an increase in reservation law just before the 2023 assembly elections without laying a proper constitutional foundation? In October 2022 itself, the then BJP government was fully aware that the increase in SC/ST reservation would increase Karnataka’s total reservation quota to 56%, crossing the prevailing 50% ceiling,” he said.

Pointing to the Central Government’s reply in Parliament dated 25 July 2026 stating that the proposal to include Karnataka’s Reservation Act in the Ninth Schedule was shelved as the matter was sub-judicial, the Deputy CM termed it unacceptable.

Exceptional circumstances

Mr. Parameshwara expressed his personal view on the Supreme Court’s verdict quashing the enhancement and said Karnataka’s circumstances could have been examined as an exceptional case.

“Tamil Nadu was given 69% reservation through a constitutional amendment. When such an arrangement was made there, the additional 6% reservation above the 50% ceiling in Karnataka could also be reviewed as a special case in the light of its social conditions,” he said.

“Explain the Constitutional Solution”

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also questioned the BJP’s move to announce increased reservation without first ensuring its constitutional sustainability.

“The BJP-led Union government subsequently shelved Karnataka’s application for inclusion in the Ninth Schedule, citing pending litigation. Now it must explain what constitutional solution it is proposing,” he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah noted that the Justice Nagamohan Das Committee, set up during the Congress government, provided the basis for strengthening reservation.

He urged the Karnataka government to implement appropriate legal means to ensure increased reservation and protect disabled students and job seekers, demanded that the Union government review the 50% ceiling, allow a constitutionally sustainable framework for population-informed reservations, and reconsider the draft Karnataka Ninth Plan.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 14:24 IST