Merit and affirmative action in India’s public employment system continue to spark heated debates in courtrooms and beyond. The real sticking point is how to interpret reservation rules when candidates from disadvantaged groups use certain relaxations.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in clarified that candidates from reserved categories who qualify on merit must be considered for general category seats, despite relaxations availed. However, this principle faces significant implementation obstacles. The fundamental issue is whether concessions, such as fee waivers or age relaxations, intended to facilitate access for reserved communities should disqualify a candidate from competing on a level playing field with general category candidates. This paradox raises fundamental questions about the na

See Full Page