Govt can revise quota, HC suggests
FE REPORT | Friday, 12 July 2024
In its full verdict on the contentious job quota system, the High Court has directed the government to maintain quota of all types in public service.
At the same time, it has given an option to reform or revise the quota system in question.
The full verdict to this end was published on Thursday following the latest outburst of students demanding the repeal of the system.
The court said, "This judgment won't create any bar to the respondents if they change, reduce or increase the ratio or percentage of the quotas… as and when necessary."
"The respondents are at liberty to fill any vacant post from merit list if any quota is not fulfilled in any public examination."
"The circular issued on 04 October 2018 is hereby declared illegal… The respondents are directed to restore the quota for children or grandchildren of freedom fighters," continued the court.
"The respondents are also directed to maintain quotas for district, women, physically challenged persons, tribes, races and ethnic groups and others, if any, and published a notification in this regard as soon as possible preferably within three months from the date of receipt of this order."
The HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat delivered Thursday's verdict after hearing the writ filed in this regard.
The short verdict was delivered on June 05.
Deputy Attorney General Sk Shaifuzzaman Shaif, who represented the state during the hearing, told the FE that they needed full text of the verdict to file a regular appeal petition against this judgment.
He hopes the full text may be published in a short time and they can be able to file it within the timeframe fixed by the Appellate Division.
On 04 October 2018, the government abolished all types of quota in all government jobs under class one and two categories.
But the decision triggered protests by descendants of freedom fighters who had been enjoying a 30-per cent quota in government jobs.
Later in 2021, seven job-seekers, who are descendents of freedom fighters, filed a writ challenging the government decision that abolished the quota.
Upon hearing the petition, the HC on June 05 declared the government's decision illegal.