WB OBC Case: Judgement Day? Calcutta High Court to Deliver Final Verdict on OBC Notification Case Today?
WB OBC Case: The Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court may set to pronounce its final judgment today, Tuesday, in the state’s high-profile OBC notification case. The hearing is scheduled before the bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Rajashekhar Mantha, and the verdict could have a profound impact on the future of the state’s reservation policy.
Background of the Case
The controversy began when the state government, based on a cabinet decision and a survey, published an OBC list that included 140 communities. This decision implemented a 17% OBC reservation in admissions to the state’s colleges, universities, and in various government jobs. However, petitioners from cases filed in 2010 and 2013 challenged this new notification in court. Their primary allegation is that the state government created the list without a proper survey and in defiance of previous court orders. The petitioners had sought an immediate stay on the notification.
What Happened in the Last Hearing
In the previous hearing, the High Court admitted the case but declined to issue an immediate stay on the notification. The justices had stated that a final decision would be made only after hearing detailed arguments from the state government and the state OBC commission. Justice Rajashekhar Mantha had observed that the state government created a complicated situation for itself by rushing to publish the list without a proper survey.
The Chief Minister’s Reaction
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the opposition of spreading misinformation regarding the controversy. She firmly stated that her government is responsible for people of all religions and communities. The Chief Minister also clarified that the OBC list was prepared following the High Court’s guidelines and with the Supreme Court’s permission. While acknowledging some dissatisfaction, she assured that the concerned commission is trying to resolve the issues by engaging with those affected.
Significance of Today’s Verdict
Today is a crucial day for the state. The Calcutta High Court’s verdict will determine the future of the current OBC reservation in West Bengal. This ruling will have a deep impact on the state’s education system, employment, and social equations. All eyes are now on the court for its final decision.
