Supreme Court dismisses NDA's appeal to raise BC reservations in Andhra Pradesh local bodies

Why in news

The Supreme Court dismissed the NDA government's appeal to increase Backward Classes (BC) reservations in Andhra Pradesh local bodies, upholding the High Court's strike-down of the orders.

Background

The Andhra Pradesh government sought to raise BC reservations to 34% in rural and 33.33% in urban local bodies. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal on October 9, 2026, citing the 50% ceiling on aggregate vertical reservations and the 'triple-test' requirements.

Facts for Prelims

• FactProposed BC reservation: 34% in rural and 33.33% in urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh.
• FactJudicially established ceiling: 50% for aggregate vertical reservations in local body elections.
• BodyTriple-test requirement: Requires a dedicated commission to conduct empirical inquiry into political backwardness.

For Mains

Q. Examine the constitutional validity of state governments exceeding the 50% reservation ceiling in local body elections and the significance of the 'triple-test' in ensuring equitable representation.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Judicial oversight: Balancing state's policy autonomy with the 50% ceiling established by the judiciary.
• Empirical validation: Necessity of a dedicated commission to assess 'political backwardness' before quota expansion.
• Vertical vs Horizontal: Conflict between aggregate vertical reservation limits and specific community representation goals.

Keywords: Vertical Reservation · Triple Test · Political Backwardness · Judicial Review · Local Body Elections

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