Bombay High Court Requests Maharashtra Government to Respond to OBC Reservation Increase Petitions
The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to submit its response to a set of petitions that challenge a government resolution (GR) from March 1994. These petitions question the increase in reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and claim that the procedure was not followed.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor has granted the government time until December 10 to file its affidavit. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for January 3, 2024.
According to the petitioners, the reservation for OBCs exceeded 42 percent of the total reservation in the state. They argue that since 1994, over 150 communities have been included in the OBC category without adhering to proper procedure and the directives of the Supreme Court.
The issue of OBC reservation has gained prominence recently with some activists advocating for reservation for the Maratha community within the OBC category. However, this demand has faced opposition from some OBC leaders.
During the court proceedings, Advocate General Birendra Saraf, who represented the government, sought additional time to file an affidavit. He highlighted that the petitions were challenging a GR that was issued on March 23, 1994.
In addition to questioning the reservation increase, the petitions also demand a fresh survey to determine which communities should be included in the OBC quota.
The Bombay High Court has given a platform for the various perspectives on OBC reservations to be examined. The government’s response, which is due by December 10, will shed light on the justification for the increase and the procedure followed in implementing it. The court’s decision on this matter has the potential to impact the future of OBC reservations in Maharashtra.
