Telangana high court seeks state govt’s response on Scheduled Castes Classification Act

Hyderabad: The Telangana high court has issued a notice to the state govt, directing it to clarify its position on a writ petition challenging the legal validity of the Scheduled Castes Classification Act, introduced by the state.
The petition, filed by Mala Mahanadu national president G Chennaiah, questions the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025, on the grounds that it fails to meet the required data criteria.

Senior counsel DV Sitarama Murthy, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the sub-classification made under the Act was based solely on the report of a one-man commission of inquiry. He contended that the state failed to collect or present any empirical data demonstrating the inadequate representation and backwardness of specific groups within the Scheduled Castes, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s seven-judge bench judgment.
Further, he pointed out that the commission had relied on the 2011 Census data, which predates the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh, and therefore does not accurately reflect the socio-economic realities of Telangana. He emphasised that the commission’s reliance on outdated data, coupled with its view that empirical data need not be the sole criterion, rendered the Act vulnerable, and sought a stay on its implementation.
A bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara issued notice to the state govt and directed it to file its counter. When the petitioner pressed for a stay, citing concerns that the govt might proceed with recruitment under the new Act, the bench advised him to file an interim application should such a situation arise.