Supreme Court Bars Maharashtra From Crossing 50% Quota Cap in Local Polls

The Supreme Court refused to permit Maharashtra to exceed the 50% reservation cap for Other Backward Classes in upcoming local body elections scheduled for January 31, 2026.

The bench reiterated that the State must adhere to the constitutional ceiling on total reservations and cannot surpass it without violating the equality framework.

The Court directed Maharashtra to furnish contemporaneous empirical data justifying any distinct OBC quota, ensuring compliance with the reservation limits laid down in precedent. The Court noted that all steps taken meanwhile would remain subject to its final orders.

The case has been listed for further hearing on November 19.

[Rahul Ramesh Wagh v State of Maharashtra & Ors.]