The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Maharashtra government to respond to a petition challenging its decision to cancel the five per cent reservation for the Muslim community in education and government jobs, reported news agency PTI.

A division bench comprising Justices R I Chagla and Advait Sethna has asked the state to file its reply through an affidavit within three weeks. The court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for May 4, reported PTI.