With the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission reportedly recommending increasing the reservation for other backward classes in its Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report, the Siddaramaiah government may lob the ball into the Centre’s court, as a constitutional amendment is required with the total quota exceeding 50%.

The state cabinet is likely to decide on this when it meets on April 17 and could set up a cabinet sub-committee to look into the issue.

The commission, headed by K Jayaprakash Hegde, which submitted its report to the government, has recommended the restructuring of the quota to one that is proportional to the population, considering the backwardness within the communities.

For the Muslim community, it has been proposed to hike the quota from the present 4% to 8% under 2B. It has also recommended increasing reservations for economically weaker sections among the Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities.

While recommending increasing the OBC quota from 32% to 51%, it has proposed increasing the quota from 3% to 7% for Vokkaligas and sub-sects under 3A and from 4% to 8% for Lingayats and sub-sects under 3B.

It has proposed a 6% hike under 1A for backward castes which are under Category I, 12% under 1B for certain castes under Categories I and II and 10% to some under Category II, sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, April 13, paid heartfelt tributes to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, emphasizing the enduring courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives. The tragic event, where British colonial forces fired on unarmed protesters in Amritsar, remains a poignant symbol of India’s struggle for freedom.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, “We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. Their indomitable spirit will forever inspire coming generations.” Reflecting on the massacre’s significance, he added, “It was a dark chapter in our nation’s history, but their sacrifice became a turning point in India’s fight for independence.”

The massacre occurred when hundreds of peaceful demonstrators, gathered to oppose the repressive Rowlatt Acts, were gunned down without warning by British troops at Jallianwala Bagh, leaving a deep scar on India’s collective memory.

Echoing similar sentiments, Gandhi stated, “I offer my humble tribute to the brave martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.” He described the tragedy as “a stark reminder of a dictatorial regime’s cruelty, one this country will never forget.” Gandhi stressed that the martyrs’ stand against injustice continues to motivate future generations to resist oppression and fight for justice.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also honoured the fallen, saying, “We bow our heads to the immortal martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh.” He praised the unarmed freedom fighters for their patriotism, courage, and selfless sacrifice, noting, “Their unforgettable contribution to the freedom struggle will live on forever in the heart of a grateful nation.”

On this day in 1919, British troops unleashed horror at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, gunning down over 1,000 unarmed civilians protesting the draconian Rowlatt Acts. General Reginald Dyer’s orders turned a peaceful gathering into a bloodbath, trapping men, women, and children in the walled garden. The massacre ignited nationwide fury, becoming a pivotal moment in India’s independence struggle. Now a memorial, the site stands as a solemn tribute to the martyrs’ unyielding spirit.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to file a review petition against the Supreme Court’s April 8 verdict which asserted judicial oversight over delays by Governors in assenting to Bills passed by State legislatures. The ruling also mandated a three-month deadline for the President to act on Bills forwarded by Governors.

According to senior government sources, the petition is currently being prepared. Officials argue that the verdict imposes rigid timelines and could alter constitutional procedures concerning the legislative process at the state level.

Centre raises concerns over potential revival of lapsed Bills

A key point of contention, officials say, is that the ruling opens a pathway for previously lapsed Bills to be revived. One official noted that the judgement enables the restoration of a Bill that should have been considered void after the President withheld assent or returned it. Under constitutional norms, such legislation must be reintroduced in the State Assembly.

“The judgement does not account for the fact that once assent is withheld or a Bill is returned by the President, it lapses and requires fresh passage,” the official remarked.

The issue stems from a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government in November 2023, after the State’s Governor indefinitely delayed assent to ten Bills, some dating back to 2020. Following the apex court’s decision, the Tamil Nadu government notified the ten Acts in its Gazette on Saturday, treating them as having received “deemed assent.”

MHA questions Supreme Court’s timeline stipulation

Officials have also taken issue with the three-month timeline imposed by the court, arguing that such fixed deadlines are not appropriate in all legislative contexts. “The timelines decided by the court will also have to be reconsidered,” an official said.

The review will be filed before the same Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, which delivered the April 8 verdict.

The MHA, under Article 201 of the Constitution, acts as the nodal agency for coordinating the President’s response to state legislation. The President can deny assent to a Bill on grounds including conflict with central laws, divergence from national policy, or legal and constitutional issues.