India, Nov. 11 -- More than 53% of Maharashtra's zilla parishads or district councils appear to have breached the 50% ceiling on reservation mandated by the Supreme Court, according to data finalised by district collectors. Over 22% of panchayat samitis, the taluka-level rural bodies, also have more than half of their seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), officials said.

The breach of the cap is expected to be challenged in court. The Bombay High Court is already hearing a bunch of petitions concerning rotational reservation, ward formation and other pre-poll matters, which are expected to come up for hearing next week. Around 50% of voters participate in district council and...