10% EWS Reservation Upheld By Kerala HC In KEAM For Veterinary And Dental Courses

• The Kerala HC has recently upheld the 10% reservation for economically weaker section (EWS) for veterinary and dental courses in KEAM (Kerala Engineering And Medical) which is an entrance examination conducted in Kerala.
• The petitioner in the instant case was a candidate belonging to the EWS category and had applied for the KEAM entrance examination. He was aggrieved by the fact that according to the rank list published in 2020, the State Government had omitted the EWS category reservation from the veterinary and dental courses.
• It was the petitioner’s contention that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had directed, by way of a memorandum, to implement EWS in all educational institutions with the prior approval of the appropriate authority. This was to be done by increasing the number of seats in the respective courses.
• After hearing the said matter, he was permitted to withdraw the case with the ability to move afresh. Consequently the present appeal was filed.
• It was contended in the present appeal that EWS was a beneficial legislation and that it was to be interpreted harmoniously so that its benefit can be extended to all candidates. It was further contended that the delay in granting EWS to dental and veterinary courses was a violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.
• It was further contended in the present plea that once reservation is granted, it becomes the right of the individual to claim the same.
• Taking note of the affidavit filed by the respondent 3 (Director of Medical Education, Thiruvananthapuram) which stated that 10% seats seats have already been set aside for EWS category, the plea was devoid of any merit, the Court also agreed with the fact that there was no need to continue with the said writ, and thus, upholding the 10% EWS reservation, dismissed the appeal.

And now, a question for our aspirants-
State the articles of the Indian Constitution that were amended to give effect to the EWS Reservation?