Punjab and Haryana High Court quashes Haryana law providing 75% quota in private sector jobs

In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday invalidated a 2020 Haryana government law that sought to implement a 75% reservation in private sector jobs for state residents. Justices G S Sandhawalia and Harpreet Kaur Jeewan delivered the verdict, declaring the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 null and void.

Senior advocate Akshay Bhan, representing the petitioners, confirmed that the entire act had been quashed by the bench. The argument put forth was centered on the contention that the law violated Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution.

The Haryana government's legislation had mandated a 75% reservation in private sector jobs for candidates belonging to the state. However, this move faced legal challenges, with multiple petitions filed against the implementation of the act.


The court's decision is rooted in the constitutional concerns raised by the petitioners, emphasizing the right to equality (Article 14) and the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business (Article 19).

The law, which applied to jobs offering a maximum gross monthly salary or wages up to Rs 30,000, was a subject of debate and scrutiny for its potential impact on employment practices in the private sector.