Senior officials of the Human Development Resource ministry have confirmed that the government would use the duration of the SAARC summit to hold consultations with legal experts and prepare a strong case for restoration of 27 percent quota for OBCs in elite educational institutes.

Last week the Supreme Court had stayed the operation of the law enacted by Parliament, which had favoured 27 percent reservation for the OBCs, besides the seats reserved for SC/ST in admission to private colleges.

The court directed that the quota would not be applicable for this year's admissions.

Sitaram Yechury, who termed the SC order as contradictory, told newsmen in New Delhi late on Sunday evening that the United Progressive Alliance and the Left parties would meet after April 4 to hold wider consultations on the judgement and its impact. The party, which discussed the issue at its politburo, has referred the issue to the central committee.

Senior backward class leaders like Ram Vilas Paswan, Shard Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav and political parties including Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have joined Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi in voicing their
protests.