HC asks TSPSC to implement horizontal quota for women

HYDERABAD: Justice P Madhavi Devi of the Telangana High Court has issued directions to the state government and the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) on the implementation of horizontal reservation principles for women candidates in Group-I selection.

In his orders, the judge directed the government and the recruiting agency to follow the procedure laid down by the Supreme Court, which includes considering meritorious women candidates within the special reservation quota for women.

The direction was given in response to a petition which requested the court to direct the government and the TSPSC to implement horizontal reservation principles in the 33 per cent reservation for women.

The petitioners argued that the government is planning to follow the process of vertical reservation, which is against the guidelines of the Supreme Court. The court clarified that once the apex court lays down the guidelines and indicators, all parties are bound to follow them.

The court said that the correct course is to first fill the open category quota (50 per cent) on the basis of merit. Thereafter, each social reservation quota must be filled.

The third stage involves determining the number of special reservation candidates selected. If the quota of horizontal reservation is already filled then there will be no problem.

However, if this is not met, the required number of special reservation candidates should be selected and accommodated within their respective social reservation categories.