For how many generations reservations in jobs, education would continue? Asks Supreme Court

The apex court raised concerns over "resultant inequality" in case the overall 50 per cent limit was to be removed.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan was informed by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Maharashtra, that the Mandal judgement on capping the quota needed a reconsideration in the present circumstances.

Arguing in favour of the Maharashtra law granting quota to Marathas, Rohatgi referred to various aspects of the Mandal judgement and said the Centre's decision to grant a 10 per cent quota to people from economically weaker section also breached the 50 per cent cap.

"If there is no 50 per cent or no limit, as you are suggesting, what is the concept of equality then. We will ultimately have to deal with it. What is your reflection on that... What about the resultant inequality. How many generations will you continue?" the bench was quoted as saying in media reports.

The bench said 70 years have passed since independence and the states have been carrying on so many beneficial schemes and asked that "can we accept that no development has taken place, that no backward caste has moved forward".