The Calcutta High Court has invalidated all Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates issued by the West Bengal government since 2010. The division bench comprising Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty and Justice Rajshekhar Mantha delivered this verdict, impacting approximately 5 lakh certificates.
The court clarified that individuals who have utilized these now-nullified certificates will not face repercussions. However, the ruling stipulates that these cancelled OBC certificates cannot be used for government job applications.
The division bench’s scrutiny revealed that the state government, in issuing OBC certificates post-2010, deviated from established legal protocols. Consequently, the court directed the Backward Class Welfare Commission to draft a new list of OBCs in accordance with the 1993 legislation. This list must then undergo scrutiny by the state Assembly, and only after its endorsement can the final roster be published.
The verdict has drawn a strong response from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who vehemently opposes the High Court’s decision. She has asserted her intent to pursue legal recourse, indicating a possible appeal to the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling.
