What is the Maratha Reservation, Explained?

On the morning of January 27, activist Manoj Jarange Patil broke his longstanding fast. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, accepted all of Manoj Patil’s demands and offered him a glass of juice to end his fast. Patil was protesting to get a Kunbi (OBC) certificate for the Maratha community, free education, and seat reservations in government jobs.

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Who are the Marathas?

The Marathas, which are a significant portion of Maharashtra's population, have a historical background as a formidable "warrior" caste. However, over the years, the lower and middle class Marathas have dwindled in prosperity. The call for the Maratha reservation dates back to 1981, when Mathadi Labour Union leader Annasaheb Patil led a gathering in Mumbai to advocate for the proposition.

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History of Maratha Reservation

The origins of the Maratha reservation movement trace back to 1981, when Annasaheb Patil, a prominent leader of the Mathadi Labour Union, spearheaded a demonstration in Mumbai calling for reservation. However, there was limited advancement on this matter in the following years, and it wasn't until the early 2000s that this issue gained significant attention.

In the year 2004, an encouraging step was taken by the government of Maharashtra, incorporating Maratha-Kunbis and Kunbi-Marathas into the register of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Unfortunately, this addition did not encompass individuals solely identifying as Marathas. As a result, those belonging to the Kunbi sub-caste, traditionally associated with agricultural vocations, were granted OBC status while disregarding a substantial section of the Maratha populace.

In 2016 and 2017, there was a marked surge in the fervour for the Maratha quota due to the death of a minor in Kopardi village, Ahmednagar. Led by the Maratha Kranti Morcha, this movement orchestrated significant yet peaceful demonstrations throughout the region. It surpassed. mere appeals for reservation and embraced wider concerns like seeking justice for the victim, retribution for those responsible, and assistance for struggling farmers.

In light of the protests, the state government of Maharashtra took action in 2017 by establishing the NG Gaikwad Commission to assess the viability of implementing quota for Marathas. The commission ultimately advised Marathas to be incorporated into the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) classification. 

As a result, in 2018, the Maharashtra State Socially and Educational Backward Act was enacted, granting a 16% reservation to Marathas in both educational institutions and employment opportunities. This legislative move received support from various political parties, including the Congress and the NCP.

Petitions were filed in the Bombay High Court challenging the constitutionality of exceeding the previously set 50% reservation limit for Marathas, leading to legal obstacles for their reservation. Despite the High Court's decision to uphold the reservation, they proposed a decrease to 13% for jobs and 12% for education. However, in 2020, the Supreme Court intervened and halted the implementation of the Maratha quota, deeming it unconstitutional and in violation of constitutional provisions. In May 2021, the Supreme Court quashed the provision of reservation for Marathas altogether.

The Maharashtra government established the NG Gaikwad Commission in 2017 to examine the matter. The commission proposed providing Marathas reservations under the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) category. In 2018, the Maharashtra SEBC Act was ratified, offering Maratha community members reservations. Legal disputes followed as petitions were submitted to the Bombay High Court questioning the legality of exceeding the 50% reservation threshold.

The Supreme Court in 2020 declared the Maratha quota unconstitutional and in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, issuing a stay. In May 2021, the apex court abolished the provision for Marathas entirely. The Maharashtra government instructed underprivileged members of the community to avail of benefits from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota until a resolution was reached.

Current Situation

Manoj Jarange Patil is a Maratha activist who gathered thousands of people to protest for the Maratha reservation on January 19. After a week, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde broke his indefinite fast and accepted all of his demands. It is yet to be seen, how CM Shinde will fulfil the demands and ensure the implementation of the Maratha reservation.