Court pulls up advocate for missing hearing for Big Boss show

The full bench, which included Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya, Justice GS Kulkarni, and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla, concluded hearing arguments from all petitioners opposing the reservation.

In Short

• Bombay HC reprimands lawyer for skipping hearing for Bigg Boss
• Hearing on Maratha reservation petitions to resume November 19
• Court questions seriousness of petitioners due to Sadavarte's absence

Bombay High Court on Monday pulled up advocate Sandeep Sadavarte for missing a court session as he was in the reality show Bigg Boss's house. The court is currently hearing multiple petitions challenging the Maratha reservation, a significant legal issue in Maharashtra.

The full bench, which included Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya, Justice GS Kulkarni, and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla, concluded hearing arguments from all petitioners opposing the reservation. The court scheduled the next hearing for November 19, when Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf will present the Maharashtra government's case.

Sadavarte, who filed a petition against the reservation alongside his wife, Jaishri Patil, was not present for the hearing. The court began hearing arguments against the Maratha reservation in June. Previous advocates, including Pradeep Sancheti and Anil Anturkar, represented the petitioners before Advocate Subhash Jha concluded arguments on Monday.

The bench noted Sadavarte's absence and questioned the seriousness of the matter. "Are the petitioners in this case not aware of the seriousness of the matter?" asked Chief Justice Upadhyaya. Advocate Janak Dwarkadas informed the court that Sadavarte was in the Big Boss house, and when questioned, explained that Sadavarte had gone for a special program and brought along his pet donkey.

The Chief Justice expressed frustration, stating, “He is enjoying better company there.” The bench clarified that no petitioners would be allowed to argue during the next hearing, which will focus on the Advocate General's arguments.

The petitions challenge the constitutional validity of the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2024, which grants 10 percent reservation to the Maratha community in government jobs and education. Additionally, some petitions contest the establishment of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, led by retired Justice Sunil Shukre, along with its methodology and recommendations for Maratha reservation.