Legal

Supreme Court Asks West Bengal For Fresh OBC Survey Data

The West Bengal government has decided to conduct a fresh survey to identify Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the state.

The survey will be completed in about three months, the state’s lawyer informed the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Refuses To Stay High Court Order

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is hearing petitions filed by the West Bengal government challenging the Kolkata High Court’s decision on the inclusion of 77 communities in the OBC list.

A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan is handling the case.

The court will hear the matter again in July.

Notably, in the last hearing, the Supreme Court refused to stay the High Court’s order. The court remarked that reservation cannot be based on religion.

However, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, clarified that the reservation was given based on social and economic backwardness, not religion.

He added that the minority population in West Bengal is about 27-28%.

SC Asks For Data on OBC Communities

Furthermore, the court has asked the West Bengal government to submit quantitative data on the social and economic backwardness of the listed castes and their inadequate job representation.

The issue arose after the Ranganath Commission recommended 10% reservation for Muslims.

Additionally, while 66 Hindu communities were classified as backward, questions emerged about reservation for Muslims.

Consequently, the commission classified 77 Muslim communities as backward classes, many of which were already in the central OBC list or included in Mandal Commission recommendations.

Also Read: Supreme Court Directs Petitioners To Submit Memorandum To Election Commission

Gopal Krishna

Recent Posts

4415 Indians Evacuated From Iran And Israel Under ‘Operation Sindhu’: MEA

India evacuated 4,415 nationals from Iran and Israel under Operation Sindhu, the MEA said Friday,…

8 hours ago

PM Modi To Embark On Five-Nation Tour To Strengthen Global Partnerships

PM Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation tour from July 2, visiting Ghana, Trinidad…

8 hours ago

Allahabad HC Directs UPPSC To Allow Petitioner A Scribe For PCS Main Exam

The Allahabad HC has directed the UPPSC to allow petitioner Sameer Khan to use a…

8 hours ago

Allahabad High Court Slams UP Officials For Defying Judicial Orders

The Allahabad High Court strongly rebuked three senior officials from Baghpat district, the Collector, SDM…

9 hours ago

Adani Group Becomes India’s Fastest-Growing Brand, Driven By Green Energy Focus

The Adani Group has emerged as India’s fastest-growing brand in 2025, registering a massive 82%…

10 hours ago

Pakistan: Flash Floods In Swat Sweep Away 18 Tourists; Claim Seven Lives

Flash floods struck Swat district, on Friday, sweeping 18 tourists, including women and children, into…

11 hours ago