MP High Court To Begin Hearing Pleas Challenging Increase In OBC Reservation Quota From April 27

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed its Registry to list all matters related to the 2019 ordinance increasing OBC reservation quota for hearing from April 27, 2026.

The controversy stemmed from a March 2019 ordinance passed by the State Government, enhancing the OBC reservation in postgraduate medical admissions. Prior to this, the reservation stood at 14% for the OBC category, which was increased to 27%.

This increase resulted in the total reservation exceeding the 50% ceiling laid down by the Supreme Court in the case of Indra Sawhney v Union of India.

The ordinance was challenged by several General Category candidates who had cleared the NEET PG 2019 examination. The petitioners argued that the abrupt policy shift would adversely affect their chances of securing a postgraduate medical seat despite their high merit.

They further contended that the ordinance violated Constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 16, which ensure equality before law and regulate reservations in public employment and education.

Earlier Proceedings

In March 2019, the High Court had effectively stayed the operation of the ordinance. Subsequently, in September, it dismissed the State's plea seeking vacation of the stay.

Thereafter, in February 2021, the High Court directed the completion of pleadings and continued the interim relief. It also consolidated multiple petitions under the lead case of Ashita Dubey.

The matters subsequently reached the Supreme Court in February 2026, wherein it was remanded back to the High Court. The apex court observed that the High Court was best placed to examine the legality and necessity of the ordinance. The apex court, however, directed that the matter be decided expeditiously, within three months.

During the latest hearing, the Division bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf sought clarification on whether all related matters have been listed.

Subsequently, the bench was informed that the Apex Court had passed another order on March 20, 2026, recalling the transfer of two petitions before the Supreme Court.

The writ petitions WP - 24247/2022 titled Deepak Kumar Patel v State of MP and WP - 24847/2022 titled Harishankar Barodhiya v State of MP are to be listed before the Supreme Court.

Thus, the bench directed,

"We are informed that by a subsequent order of 20 March 2026, the order transferring these petitions to the High Court has been recalled by the Supreme Court, and to be listed before the Supreme Court. The registry is directed to delete these cases from this batch and await further orders from the Supreme Court for said petitions".

For the remaining matters, the High Court directed its registry to ensure all petitions are listed and in order to commence hearings from April 27, 2026.

Case Title: Ashita Dubey v State of Madhya Pradesh WP - 5901/2019 (O)

For Petitioners: Senior Advocate Aditya Sanghi with Advocates Vinita Ahiya, Alka Singh, Brahmendra Prasad Pathak, Priyanka Varma, Suyash Mohan Guru, Anshuman Singh, Anshul Tiwari, Rohan Harne

For State: Additional Solicitor General HS Ruprah with Deputy Advocate General Swapnil Ganguly and Advocate Aditya Pachori

Special Counsel for State: Advocates Rameshwar Singh Thakur, Varun Thakur and Vinayak Prasad