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The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has welcomed the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the OBC status of several classes in West Bengal, alleging that the state government failed to provide a necessary report justifying the inclusion of new castes in the OBC list. NCBC chairman Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said that during their review, they observed that since 2010, 65 Muslim castes and six Hindu castes were added to the OBC list without proper documentation.
Despite requests, the state government did not provide any reports to support these additions. Ahir said that it's possible the state failed to submit this report in court as well. He added that the court's decision is absolutely correct and that it proves that the rights of the original OBCs were compromised.
Ahir warned that any future inclusions in the OBC list without proper surveys would face similar consequences and cited Karnataka as an example, which has also made similar mistakes.
The High Court's ruling came in response to petitions challenging the provisions of The West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Act, 2012. The court declared that reservations granted to several classes under this Act were illegal.
However, it clarified that those who are already in service or have availed the benefit of reservation or have succeeded in any selection process of the state will not be affected by the order. The court also set aside a provision in the Act of 2012 for distribution of percentage of reservation to the sub-classified classes, striking down sub-classified classes listed in two categories, namely OBC-A and OBC-B, from schedule 1 of the Act of 2012.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has said that she will not accept the judgement and that OBC reservation will continue. Addressing a poll rally at Khardah under the Dumdum Lok Sabha constituency, Banerjee said, “Those who have given the order should keep it to themselves, we will not accept the opinion of BJP, OBC reservation continues and will always continue.”
Source: Mamata Banerjee 'won't accept' Calcutta HC ruling on OBC list; NCBC says ‘failed to submit…’