The Madhya Pradesh General Administration Department on Tuesday issued a significant administrative order reshaping the state's legal representation in the ongoing judicial battle over the Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation increase from 14 to 27 per cent. The directive comes at a critical juncture as the case is being heard before the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur, following a Supreme Court order in February 2026 on transferred cases and connected petitions related to the quota hike.

Key Changes in Legal Representation

Special counsels Rameshwar Singh Thakur and Vinayak Prasad Shah, originally appointed to represent the state's position, have been officially relieved of their duties. The state government has clarified that the new notification supersedes all previous court orders regarding the appointment of advocates in these specific cases. Their removal mid-hearing has sparked public discussion about the timing and intent of the reshuffle.

The Newly Appointed Legal Team

In their place, the Madhya Pradesh government has assembled a high-profile legal panel. Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj have been brought on board to lead the state's defence. They will work alongside Prashant Singh, the Advocate General of Madhya Pradesh, and law officers from the Advocate General's office. During recent court proceedings, the Advocate General informed the bench that K.M. Nataraj would take a lead role in presenting the state's case. Separate terms and appearance fees are to be established for the Solicitor General and the Additional Solicitor General.

Background: The OBC Quota Dispute

The Madhya Pradesh government's decision to raise OBC reservation from 14 to 27 per cent has faced sustained legal challenges. The matter was elevated to the Supreme Court, which in February 2026 passed an order regarding transferred cases and connected petitions, directing further proceedings before the High Court. The state's move to expand OBC quota is part of a broader political and administrative push to address backward class representation, though it has drawn opposition from petitioners who argue it breaches the constitutionally recognised ceiling on total reservations.

Administrative Coordination and Next Steps

Copies of the court order have been dispatched to the Law and Legislative Affairs Department and the Finance Department to ensure immediate coordination and necessary action. The legal overhaul reflects the state administration's commitment to defending its 27 per cent OBC reservation policy through a revised legal strategy as the Madhya Pradesh High Court continues its deliberations. The appointment of the Solicitor General — typically the Union government's second-highest law officer — signals the significance the state attaches to the outcome of this case.