Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that the 16 percent reservation for Maratha community was meant to alleviate the community from its social and economic backwardness. <br />''<br />''In its affidavit, the government has asserted that the ceiling of 50 per cent reservation imposed by the Supreme Court cannot be made applicable to all states.<br />''<br />''Seeking dismissal of all petitions challenging the Maratha quota, the government said that creation of a separate 'Socially and Educationally Backward Class' for Maratha community cannot be said to be "excessive or disproportionate". <br />''<br />''The affidavit further claimed that the government was the custodian and regulator of social justice and enacted the Act after recognizing the community's plight. <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">A division bench headed by Justice Ranjit More will take up the petitions for hearing on 23rd January.</span><br />