"The Maratha Quota Controversy: A Comprehensive Critical Analysis"

Abstract

This paper critically examines the Maratha reservation issue, focusing on its historical, socio-economic, and legal aspects. A recent move by the Maratha government to issue Kunbis caste certificates to Marathas from Marathwada aims to qualify them for OBC reservations, following a violent protest in September 2023. The Maratha reservation debate, rooted in British-era policies and intensified by the 2018 reservation law, involves complex legal scrutiny, particularly concerning the Supreme Court's Indira Sawhney judgment on the 50% cap on reservations. Additionally, constitutional amendments and judicial interpretations regarding the notification of Schedule Castes and Tribes are explored. This paper argues that the Maratha reservation issue, while significant, underscores broader challenges in India's federal structure and reservation policies, necessitating a balanced approach to address socio-economic disparities.