Supreme Court Reviews West Bengal’s OBC Certificates Cancellation
The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the West Bengal government regarding its plea against the Calcutta High Court’s decision to cancel all Other Backward Caste (OBC) certificates issued after 2010.
Details of the Case
A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has asked the West Bengal government to file an affidavit explaining the process of determining 77 communities as OBCs. The court wants to know the nature of the survey and study used for this classification and details of consultations with the West Bengal Backward Commission.
Calcutta High Court’s Decision
On May 22, the Calcutta High Court cancelled all OBC certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010 and directed the West Bengal Backward Classes Commission to prepare a new list of OBCs according to the 1993 Act. Those who were in the OBC list before 2010 will remain unaffected, but about 5 lakh OBC certificates issued after 2010 are set to be cancelled. However, those who have jobs under the OBC quota or are in the process of getting them will not be excluded from the quota.
The Supreme Court has not stayed the Calcutta High Court order but has issued a notice on West Bengal’s application seeking a stay. The West Bengal government has been asked to file the affidavit within one week.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice.
West Bengal -: West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It has its own government and laws.
OBC Certificates -: OBC stands for Other Backward Caste. These certificates help people from certain communities get special benefits like jobs and education.
Calcutta High Court -: The Calcutta High Court is a big court in West Bengal. It makes important legal decisions for the state.
Affidavit -: An affidavit is a written statement that someone swears is true. It’s used in court to provide information.
West Bengal Backward Classes Commission -: This is a group in West Bengal that decides which communities should be considered as OBCs. They help make sure the right people get benefits.
1993 Act -: The 1993 Act is a law that helps decide which communities are OBCs. It was made to ensure fair treatment for these communities.
