Stories
SC to Hear Challenge Against Calcutta HC Order Voiding OBC Certificates
- •The Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order that declared all OBC certificates issued by West Bengal between May 8, 2025, and May 18, 2026, as void.
- •A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice to the West Bengal government and others, tagging the plea with a similar pending petition.
- •The SC directed that any appointments made to vacant posts will be subject to the outcome of the Special Leave Petition(s), requiring the state to include this condition in appointment letters.
- •The Calcutta High Court's order revived its earlier stay on OBC reservations to 114 classes after the West Bengal government withdrew its challenge before the apex court.
- •The High Court had previously struck down the OBC status of several classes granted since 2010, deeming reservations to state services and posts illegal.
Key Questions Answered
The Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea challenging the Calcutta High Court order that declared all OBC certificates issued by West Bengal between May 8, 2025, and May 18, 2026, as void. A bench issued notices to the state government and other respondents, listing the matter for further hearing on November 23.
The Supreme Court bench observed that public posts cannot be kept vacant while the litigation is ongoing. It directed that any appointments made shall abide by the final result of the Special Leave Petition, and the state must incorporate this condition into the appointment letters issued to successful candidates.
The High Court found that the state cabinet's re-declaration of 114 OBC classes in May and June 2025 lacked legal authority because the West Bengal government had withdrawn its challenge against an earlier high court stay order. This withdrawal revived the high court's previous stay, rendering the subsequent OBC certificates and notifications void ab initio.