The controversy dates back to May 2024, when a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court invalidated the inclusion of these 77 communities into the OBC list, ruling the classification "illegal and unconstitutional".
The High Court had observed that the identification process was marred by legal infirmities and that the State executive had bypassed the mandatory consultation process with the Backward Classes Commission.
While the ruling cancelled around 12 lakh OBC certificates issued after 2010, it protected those citizens who had already secured government employment or availed of reservation benefits under the quota.
However, the ruling was challenged by the State government which was then led by Mamata Banerjee.
The same challenge has now been withdrawn by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
The controversy dates back to May 2024, when a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court invalidated the inclusion of these 77 communities into the OBC list, ruling the classification "illegal and unconstitutional".
The High Court had observed that the identification process was marred by legal infirmities and that the State executive had bypassed the mandatory consultation process with the Backward Classes Commission.
It had further remarked that religion appeared to be the sole criterion for the inclusion, characterizing the move as an attempt to treat a community as a "vote bank" for electoral gains.
While the ruling cancelled around 12 lakh OBC certificates issued after 2010, it protected those citizens who had already secured government employment or availed of reservation benefits under the quota.
However, the ruling was challenged by the State government which was then led by Mamata Banerjee. The same challenge has now been withdrawn by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
