Punjab likely to move SC for reservation for Mazhbi Sikhs

Chandigarh Aug 2 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today directed the state administration to examine the possibility of filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in Supreme Court against the Punjab and Haryana High Court orders setting aside the 50 per cent reservation quota of SCs for the Mazhbi Sikhs and Balmikis in the state.

An official spokesman today said the state government was committed to overall welfare and development of scheduled castes.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had issued orders setting aside the instructions stipulating 50 per cent reservation for the Mazhbi Sikhs and Balmikis on July 25, 2006.

Keeping in view the relative social, economic and educational backwardness and inadequate representation of these two castes, the Punjab government was contemplating to file a SLP in Supreme Court after seeking a legal opinion from the Advoate General Punjab, the spokesman said.

He said the instructions in this regard issued wayback in 1975 were challenged in Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1979 but these had been upheld by the court vide its orders of May 17, 1980.

He said that thereafter, these instructions were meticulously followed as a matter of reservation policy of the state.

UNI PS SK RN1722