Will the Calcutta HC Rule on the Plea Against Mamata's OBC Survey Methodology?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal move, the Calcutta High Court is scheduled to deliver an interim order regarding the petition against the West Bengal government's new OBC survey methodology. This survey follows a Supreme Court mandate and aims to establish the rightful claims of OBC communities, essential for their representation and rights.
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court's interim order is crucial for OBC representation.
- The new survey is a response to a Supreme Court mandate.
- Over 500,000 OBC certificates were annulled by the court.
- Public awareness of the survey process is essential for eligible individuals.
- The state government claims compliance with court orders in the survey process.
Kolkata, June 17 (NationPress) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court is set to issue an interim order on Tuesday regarding the petition challenging the methodology of the newly initiated survey by the West Bengal government aimed at identifying the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the state.
This new survey was initiated following a commitment made by the state government to the Supreme Court on March 18, in relation to a case where the government contested a previous ruling by the Calcutta High Court in May 2024 that nullified all OBC certificates issued in West Bengal since 2010.
On March 18, the state assured the apex court that it would finalize the fresh survey within three months. However, a petition was subsequently filed in the Calcutta High Court questioning the approach taken for this survey.
The petitioner has claimed that the state government has only accepted applications from the 113 OBC communities that were invalidated by the Calcutta High Court.
During a hearing last month, the division bench raised concerns about the process of the fresh survey being conducted by the state.
The bench noted that if those genuinely entitled to receive OBC certificates remain unaware of the fresh survey's details, they would be deprived of their rightful claims, thus undermining the very purpose of the survey.
It also instructed the state to ensure adequate publicity for the fresh survey, including advertisements at the grassroots level, starting from village panchayats. Throughout the hearings, the state government’s counsel asserted that the fresh survey was being carried out in compliance with court directives.
To recap, in May of the previous year, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court annulled all OBC certificates issued in West Bengal post-2010, effectively invalidating all such certificates issued under the current Trinamool Congress government since 2011.
This ruling from Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Rajasekhar Mantha affected over 500,000 OBC certificates, which can no longer be utilized for job reservation quotas.
In response, the West Bengal government approached the Supreme Court regarding the Calcutta High Court ruling, and in March of this year, the apex court permitted the government to conduct a fresh survey to identify OBC groups in the state.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the ongoing complexities surrounding the OBC survey in West Bengal. The Calcutta High Court's impending decision holds significant implications for social justice and the representation of marginalized communities. Our commitment remains with the nation, ensuring that voices are heard and rights are upheld.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the OBC survey in West Bengal?
The OBC survey aims to accurately identify and validate the Other Backward Classes in the state to ensure their rightful access to reservations and benefits.
Why was the previous OBC certification cancelled?
The Calcutta High Court annulled all OBC certificates issued post-2010 due to concerns over their validity and the adherence to proper procedures.
What will happen if the interim order is unfavorable?
An unfavorable interim order could further complicate the status of OBC certificates and delay the rightful claims of eligible individuals.
How has the state government responded to the petition?
The state government maintains that the fresh survey is being conducted in accordance with court directives and aims to ensure transparency.
When is the Calcutta High Court expected to rule on the petition?
The Calcutta High Court is expected to issue its interim order regarding the petition on Tuesday.
