Maharashtra Cancels 5% Muslim Reservation Under SBC-A: All Certificates and Orders Invalid

Mumbai: In a major move, the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has officially cancelled the 5% reservation for socially and educationally backward Muslims. The quota, introduced in 2014 under the SBC-A (Special Backward Class-A) category, had never come into full effect due to legal hurdles.

The reservation was intended to benefit Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions. Following the ordinance, caste certificates and caste validity certificates were being issued to eligible candidates. However, the ordinance was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which issued a stay on November 14, 2014. Since the ordinance was not converted into law before the December 23, 2014 deadline, it automatically lapsed.

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The current government has now clarified that all government resolutions and circulars issued under the ordinance are cancelled, formally closing the matter.

Key Changes Following the Decision:

• The 5% Muslim reservation under SBC-A is officially cancelled.
• No new caste or validity certificates will be issued under this category.
• Admissions in colleges and other educational institutions will no longer be granted under this quota.
• All previous government orders and circulars related to the reservation are no longer valid.

Officials explained that since the legal process had ended years ago, the government’s move now simply formalizes the cancellation. This decision brings clarity to candidates and institutions, ending any confusion regarding eligibility under the 5% Muslim quota.