Consider quota for forward caste poor: HC to Tamil Nadu

"The poor, in the so-called forward communities, have been neglected so far and no one could speak about them fearing protest voices in the name of social justice. Social justice should be extended to every section of the society," Justice N Kirubakaran said on Friday.

Noting that talking about reservation or extending help to the deserving poor in forward communities should not be viewed or considered as an opposition to the reservation enjoyed by other sections of society, the judge said: "This court is aware that in all communities, there are poor people and they should be encouraged to develop educationally, economically and socially."

Justice Kirubakaran observed further: "A poor (person) is a poor (person), whether he is from a forward or backward community. A helping hand should be extended to such needy poor not only monetarily, but also by way of reservation in education and employment, the judge said."

Justice Kirubakaran directed the government to explore extending the scope of reservation to people from forward communities based on their economic status. He was passing interim orders on a plea moved by 14 students seeking to declare the transfer of MBBS seats in government colleges meant for the OC category to BC and MBC categories illegal and violative of Article 14.

They also wanted the court to direct the Directorate of Medical Education to conduct recounselling for seats allotted to OC category as per reservation policy in the state.