DMK seeks review of SC verdict upholding 10% quota for economically weaker sections

On November 23, Congress leader Jaya Thakur had also sought a review of the November 7 verdict, saying there was "error apparent" in the judgement

The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu on December 5, 2022 sought a review of a Supreme Court judgment upholding the 10% quota granted to economically weaker sections (EWS) in government jobs and educational institutions, saying the leeway has made a large section of upper caste population eligible for “easy exclusive luxurious” reservations.

The decision to file the petition urging the apex court to have a re-look at its majority judgment came after DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened an all-party meeting.

Also Read | Congress undertakes ‘political review’ on EWS quota

The petition, settled by senior advocate P. Wilson, said the judgment had re-written the settled law laid down by a nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court which froze reservation at 50%, leaving the remaining half to meritorious candidates.

The petition said the 103rd Constitutional Amendment which introduced the 10% EWS quota into the Constitution “has given them [advanced classes] a mask to hide behind the misleading term of ‘economically weaker sections’.”

The DMK, through Mr. Wilson, argued that the term EWS has not been clearly defined. It benefits a class which has not suffered social stigma or absence of opportunity from joining the mainstream.