SC overrules Haryana & Punjab HC stay on 75% quota on private jobs; directs state govt not to take coercive steps against employers

New Delhi, Feb 17 (KNN) The Supreme Court has set aside the stay order given by Punjab and Haryana High Court on 75 per cent reservation on private jobs to domiciles of the state, and has directed the state government of Haryana to ensure that no coercive actions are taken against employers.

A Bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao set aside the February 3 interim order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court staying the “The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020”, saying that the latter “has not given sufficient reasons for staying the legislation.”

Commenting on the decision of the Supreme Court, Manmohan Gaind, General Secretary of Manesar Industries Welfare Association (MIWA) told KNN that, “Although the stay has been vacated but it has restricted the government of Haryana to act against any default and has asked the High Court to decide the matter within 4 weeks.”

So eventually it is an extension of stay and the industry welcomes it, said Gaind.

The bench has shown concern over the livelihood of people and if the order isn’t well reasoned order, we can send it back for a reasoned order, said Justice Rao.

The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act 2020 provided 75 per cent reservation for local people in private sector jobs having a monthly salary of less than Rs 30,000 which was widely opposed by industrialists and MSMEs. 

Earlier this month, the high court had ordered an interim stay on the Haryana law that gives 75 per cent reservation to the residents of the state. Later, the order was challenged in the Supreme Court by the state government. (KNN Bureau)