A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi refused to interfere in the matter. (Representational Image)

The Supreme Court has rejected a petition seeking a stay on the Rajasthan government's decision to implement five per cent reservation to Gujjars and four other communities in educational institutions and government jobs. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi refused to interfere in the matter.

On February 13, the Rajasthan assembly passed a bill granting five per cent quota to the Gujjar, Raika-Rebari, Gadia Luhar, Banjara and Gadaria communities in jobs and education.

The Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced by the Congress-led government in the state.

The bill sought to increase the backward classes' reservation from the present 21 per cent to 26 per cent with a five per cent quota for Gujjars, Banjaras, Gadia Lohars, Raikas and Gadaria communities.

The Rajasthan government passed the bill after the five communities protested for days on railway tracks to push for the reservation quota.

The State Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh and the representatives of the Gujjar community held talks to end the deadlock, however they remained inconclusive as the Gujjar leaders demanded written assurance from the government that necessary steps would be taken if their demands face legal hurdles.

Around 64 trains were cancelled, 71 diverted and 32 partially cancelled due to the agitation, North Western Railways spokesperson said. The West Central spokesperson said 148 trains were cancelled and 143 diverted then.



