In a significant setback for the Haryana government, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has invalidated the state’s decision to provide 75% reservation in private sector jobs to locals earning a monthly salary below Rs 30,000. The court, in its ruling, has deemed the reservation granted by the Haryana government as unconstitutional.
The High Court’s decision holds broader implications for other states across the country. The Haryana government had enacted the ‘Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act’ in 2020, reserving 75% of jobs for local candidates with salaries below Rs 30,000 per month. Applicants were required to furnish a domicile certificate to avail of this reservation.
However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, responding to multiple petitions challenging the law, has deemed it as a potential threat to merit-based job opportunities in the private sector. Critics argued that the law could lead to employment decisions based on residency rather than qualifications, thereby compromising the efficiency of the private sector.
The High Court has validated the concerns raised in these petitions, leading to the complete rejection of the Haryana government’s law. The court has issued orders mandating the withdrawal of the decision, asserting that the reservation policy undermines meritocracy and is inconsistent with constitutional principles.
