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The affidavit also stated that social indicators revealed profound disparities especially in the perceived backwardness based on caste and traditional occupation as well as current occupation, higher engagement in manual labour for both women and men within the Maratha community
The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission has told the Bombay High Court that there is exceptional backwardness among the Maratha Community.
"The study revealed that the Maratha community was being looked down upon in the state. It was found that there was exceptional backwardness among the Maratha community," the affidavit states.
The affidavit was filed before the full bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya, Justice Girish Kulkarni, and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla.
The high court is hearing multiple writ petitions and PILs challenging the constitutionality of the legislation passed by the Maharashtra State Government granting 10% reservation to Marathas in government schools and jobs.
Among the numerous petitions before the high court, some challenged the constitutionality of the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2024.
Other petitions also challenged the appointment of retired Justice Sunil Shukre as the head of the commission which recommended the reservation for Marathas. The petitioners questioned the methodology adopted by the commission.
The affidavit filed by the backward class commission stated that the financial position of the vulnerable Maratha community was very low even in comparison with the open category non-creamy layer class and therefore deserved special protection.
Furthermore, it added that the rising percentage of suicides, of which 94% are from the Maratha community had been highlighted as a disturbing trend.
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