Delhi HC issues notice in plea against 50% horizontal reservation at NLU-D for candidates from institutions in Delhi

The Delhi High Court today issued notice in a petition challenging National Law Univeristy, Delhi's move to provide 50% horizontal reservation in their LL.B and LL.M courses, to candidates who have passed their qualifying examination from an institution situated in Delhi. (Piaa Singgh vs NLU D final writ).The Petition also challenges the introduction of 22% OBC & 10% EWS reservation in the LLM course offered at the University. .Notice was issued by a single judge Bench of justice Rajiv Shakdher..[Coronavirus Lockdown] All India Law Entrance Test, 2020 likely to be held in August: NLUD issues notification .The Petition has been preferred by one Pia Singgh who intends to pursue LLM from NLU Delhi after graduating from a University in Rajasthan. .She claims that she has been adversely affected by the prospectus issued by NLU Delhi for the upcoming academic session, which provides 50% horizontal reservation to the candidates who have passed their qualifying examination from Delhi, and also extends 22% OBC & 10% EWS reservations in LLM without increasing the number of seats in the course. .In the Petition filed through Advocate Nishant Khatri, the Petitioner has contended that the increase of number of reserved seats has effectively cut down the seats for the unreserved category candidates..With respect to the introduction of 50% horizontal reservation in courses being offered by NLU, Delhi, it is stated,.The horizontal reservation given by respondent University to the students of Delhi region is sui generis and strange. The classification between students who are passing the qualifying examination from a recognized School/ College/ Institute located within Delhi and who are not passing the qualifying examination from institute located in Delhi is not germane to the very rule of intelligent differentia.the Petition reads. .The Petitioner has asserted that NLUD Delhi is effectively providing reservation of upto 80% of its seats, which was against the principle of equality enshrined under Part-III of the Constitution..When the matter was taken up today, the Petitioner also pressed for a stay on the reservation policy. The Court, however, proceeded to direct the Respondent- NLU Delhi to first file its counter affidavit in the Petition. .NLU Delhi was represented by Advocate Sanjay Vashishtha. .The matter will be heard next on June 11. .Read the Petition:.Read the Order: