West Bengal withdraws SC plea against HC verdict nixing OBC status of 77 castes
The West Bengal government and the State Backward Classes Commission have withdrawn their separate pleas from the Supreme Court challenging a Calcutta High Court judgment that struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, from the State's Other Backward Class (OBC) list. The previous Trinamool Congress government had filed these pleas. The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party government has since discontinued religion-based categorisation schemes and regularised 66 communities, restoring their eligibility for 7% reservation.
Key Points
- The West Bengal government withdrew its plea in the Supreme Court against a Calcutta High Court verdict on OBC status.
- The High Court had struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, from the State's OBC list.
- The Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent other aggrieved parties from pursuing an appeal.
- The new BJP government in West Bengal has discontinued religion-based categorisation and regularised 66 communities for 7% reservation.
- The original pleas were filed by the previous Trinamool Congress government.
Exam Facts
- The Calcutta High Court judgment was delivered on May 22, 2024.
- The High Court struck down 77 classes of reservation, including 75 Muslim communities.
- The Supreme Court Bench comprised CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the State.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.