The Maratha community has been organising huge rallies across the state for various demands.

Disappointed with the state government’s lackadaisical attitude and delay in filing affidavit and other submissions pertaining to the Maratha community reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, the HC on Thursday gave a last chance to the state government, asking it to reply within six weeks.

A division bench of Justice A.V. Mohta and Justice J.S. Kulkarni granted time to the state after counsel V.A. Thorat and Ravi Kadam informed the HC that the government’s affidavit was ready, but it was still in the process of collecting data from different organisations on status of Maratha community in Maharashtra.

Advocate Thorat told the court that as per the Supreme Court order the excercise of census based on caste was abandoned in the late 90s. Hence, the state is finding it difficult to get exact data on the Maratha community.

The government pleader requested the HC to grant some more time to state or start hearing arguments of interveners. However, the HC bench did not find the suggestion viable. The judges expressed displeasure over the government’s inability to file affidavit in reply despite a court order asking for the same.

The petitioner argued that the government had already been granted a lot of time to reply. However, the bench said, “It is obvious that the government will have lots to say on this complex issue.” The judges also said that the court would verify their claims once the arguments begin. While adjourning the matter, the bench asked all the parties concerned to prepare compilation data on the Maratha community.