Today(on 5th August), the Supreme Court of India will hear a case on the cancellation of approximately 12 lakh OBC certificates from West Bengal. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra will oversee the proceedings.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a case involving the cancellation of approximately 12 lakh OBC (Other Backward Classes) certificates. This case, originating from West Bengal, has sparked considerable controversy and debate.
According to sources from the Supreme Court, the hearing is scheduled for today(on 5th August).
The bench overseeing the proceedings will consist of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra.
The controversy began when the Calcutta High Court annulled all OBC certificates issued post-2010, citing procedural lapses. The High Court stated that these OBC certificates, issued by the state to grant reservation benefits, were not in compliance with the law.
As a result, the High Court declared-
“Those OBC certificates cannot be utilized elsewhere.”
The crux of the issue is that OBC certificates are crucial for availing reservation benefits in education and employment. A case was filed in the High Court alleging that all OBC certificates produced after 2010 did not adhere to legal standards.
This culminated in a landmark decision on May 22, when a division bench of Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty and Justice Rajashekhar Mantha quashed all OBC certificates issued after 2010. The verdict rendered these certificates invalid, impacting approximately 12 lakh individuals.
The court’s ruling was clear:
“The certificate cannot be used in any reserved categories, including for employment.”
The state government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was quick to respond. Banerjee, during a Lok Sabha election campaign, vehemently opposed the High Court’s decision, stating-
“He did not accept the decision.”
True to her word, the state government promptly challenged the High Court’s order in the Supreme Court. Additionally, the Backward Classes Commission also filed a challenge against the verdict. This marks the first occasion that this case has reached the Supreme Court for a hearing.
ALOS READ: [Mamata Banerjee vs Calcutta HC] West Bengal’s OBC Certificates Dispute
The implications of this case are vast, as it directly affects the lives of millions who rely on OBC certificates for accessing reserved opportunities. The Supreme Court’s decision will not only determine the fate of these certificates but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future.
The legal community and affected parties will closely monitor the proceedings. The outcome of this case could have significant ramifications for the policies surrounding the issuance and validation of OBC certificates in India. The Supreme Court’s involvement underscores the case’s importance, as it grapples with ensuring justice and adherence to legal standards while addressing the needs and rights of the OBC community.
In anticipation of the hearing, legal experts speculate on the arguments that will be presented. The state government and the Backward Classes Commission are expected to argue for the reinstatement of the certificates, emphasizing the procedural lapses’ impact on millions of beneficiaries. Conversely, the opposition will likely highlight the importance of adhering to strict legal standards to prevent misuse and ensure fair distribution of reservation benefits.
