Reservation benefits: Gujarat High Court seeks state's reply

The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday sought a reply from the state government after a petition challenging the action of the state by which certain class of people were transferred indirectly from socially and economically backward classes (SEBC) to scheduled tribe (ST) category came up for hearing

The petition filed by Gujarat Adijati Vikas Sangh also alleged that because of the government's move, the opportunities for 'genuine' ST category persons have reduced in various fields.

Following the hearing on the petition, the division bench of Acting Chief Justice AS Dave and Justice Biren Vaishnav issued a notice to the state government and directed it to file a reply in the matter by January 8. The transfer of communities challenged by the petitioner includes Gond, Raj Gond, Vansfoda, Thakarada, and Bagadiya Thakarada.