Madras HC refuses adjournment, calls petitioner's change of lawyer a 'devious' delay tactic

The Madras High Court has ruled that individuals converting to Islam cannot claim Backward Class Muslim status, deeming a recent Tamil Nadu government order extending reservation benefits to converts "unconstitutional" and "arbitrary." The court refused an adjournment request, criticizing the petitioner's attempt to delay proceedings by changing lawyers just before the judgment. The bench emphasized the petitioner's weak case, which was only bolstered by the now-invalidated government order.