Bihar’s 65% quota law remains suspended as SC declines interim relief
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to stay a Patna High Court order that invalidated Bihar’s amended reservation laws. These laws, passed by the Nitish Kumar government, aimed to increase quotas for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes from 50 per cent to 65 per cent. Despite refusing to grant a stay, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear ten petitions filed by the Bihar government challenging the High Court’s verdict.
The bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, did not issue notices on the pleas but admitted the appeals for hearing, scheduling them for September. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing the state government, urged the court to stay the high court order, citing a similar case from Chhattisgarh where the Supreme Court had granted a st ay. However, the Chief Justice stated 100 percent... One can never be ready for a fourth-place finish.”
In contrast, Bhaker and Sarabjot scored 580 to stay in contention for bronze in the mixed team event. In the 10m air rifle women’s competition, Ramita Jindal finished seventh, while shotgun marksman Prithviraj Tondaiman stood 30th and last after the first three rounds of the trap competition.
India is jointly ranked 23rd in the medal tally with one bronze, while China, Korea, and Australia hold the top three positions.
In badminton, Lakshya Sen showcased his talent by defeating Julien Carraggi of Belgium in straight games during a men’s singles group match.
The 22-year-old debutant won 21-19, 21-14 in a 43-minute contest. Sen’s earlier victory over Tokyo Olympics semifinalist Kevin Cordon was voided after Cordon withdrew due to injury. Sen will next face third seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia, with the match determining who advances to the pre-quarters.
In hockey, captain Harmanpreet Singh salvaged a 1-1 draw for India against Argentina in a Pool B match, converting a last-minute penalty corner.
The Indian team missed nine penalty corners before Harmanpreet’s crucial goal. Argentina missed a penalty stroke by Maico Casella in the 36th minute, and Lucas Martinez scored for Argentina in the 22nd minute. Harmanpreet’s goal came just before the final whistle.
In archery, the women’s team, featuring Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat, fell short in the quarterfinals.
The men’s team, consisting of veteran Tarundeep Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Pravin Jadhav, also exited in the quarterfinals after losing 2-6 to a young Turkish team. The scores were 53-57, 52-55, 55-54, 54-58.
Veteran doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna announced his retirement from representing India after losing in the opening round of the men’s doubles event in Paris.
“This will be my last event for the country. I understand my place and will now enjoy the tennis circuit as long as possible,” Bopanna said, ruling out his participation in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. agencies
