The Centre on Monday informed Lok Sabha that it was not a party to the case in which the Supreme Court ruled that states are not bound to provide quota in appointments and promotions, after the opposition accused it of failing to defend the reservation system. Making a statement in Lok Sabha, social justice and empowerment minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said the top court order pertains to a 2012 decision of the previous Congress government in Uttarakhand and asserted that the central government is "committed" and "dedicated" to reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs. Gehlot made it clear that the Centre was not asked to file an affidavit in the matter and said the issue is being discussed in the government at the "highest level" and it will take ‘appropriate steps.’ in the matter.