M.R. BALAJI AND OTHERS versus STATE OF MYSORE

M.R. BALAJI AND OTHERS versus STATE OF MYSORE

The impugned order categorised backward classes solely on the basis of caste and reserved 68% of seats, both of which are inconsistent with Article 15(4) and amount to a fraud on the constitutional power conferred on the State by Article 15(4). The order is struck down as ultra vires and invalid.

Parties
Petitioner: M. R. Balaji and Others; Respondent: State of Mysore
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
28 September 1962
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition / Final Judgment
Outcome
Petitions allowed
Legal Topics
Reservation in Educational Institutions, Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Tribes, Constitutional Powers Under Article 15(4)
Constitutional Law Administrative Law Education Law Reservation in Educational Institutions Backward Classes Scheduled Castes and Tribes Constitutional Powers Under Article 15(4)

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Parties

M. R. Balaji and Others

Petitioner

State of Mysore

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether reservation of 68% seats for socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes and Tribes is permissible under Article 15(4) of the Indian Constitution
  2. 2 Whether classification based solely on caste for backward classes violates Article 15(4)
  3. 3 Whether the percentage of reservation prescribed is consistent with the special provision authorised under Article 15(4)

Ratio Decidendi

The impugned order categorised backward classes solely on the basis of caste and reserved 68% of seats, both of which are inconsistent with Article 15(4) and amount to a fraud on the constitutional power conferred on the State by Article 15(4). The order is struck down as ultra vires and invalid.

Court Disposition

Petitions allowed

Orders

  • Appropriate writ or order restraining respondents from giving effect to the impugned order.
  • Petitioners entitled to costs, one set of hearing fees.