In a major setback for the Haryana government, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Nov 17, 2023 struck down a state law mandating 75 per cent reservation for locals in private sector jobs, calling it "unconstitutional". While stating that private employers cannot be forced to employ persons from a particular state, the court, in its order, underlined that discriminating against individuals based on their state would be negative treatment against other citizens of the country. I have discussed the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 in the perspective of problems due to protectionism in the article dated July 10, 2020. I have advocated that these kind of protectionist laws are irrational as it infringes fundamental rights of the citizens and rights and liberty of the corporates and private companies too. Im glad that the High court pronounced a judgement striking down the law as it is unconstitutional. Excerpts from Protectionism and Reverse migration, July
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