HC Halts 75% Job Quota for Locals, Declares Act Prima Facie Unconstitutional

The Jharkhand HC has issued an interim stay on the Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in Private Sector Act, 2021. The Act mandated a 75% reservation for local candidates in private sector jobs with monthly salaries up to ₹40,000.

The court deemed it unconstitutional, citing violations of Articles 16(2), 16(3), and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. It also flagged Sections 9-12 of the Act for imposing financial penalties and granting excessive state control over private employment.

Referencing the Punjab & Haryana HC ruling. The stay will remain in effect until further orders, with the next hearing scheduled for January 31, 2025.