The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to respond to petitions challenging the conferment of Other Backward Class (OBC) status on Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi, and Kunbi-Maratha communities. The petitions argue that the September 2 Government Resolution (GR) granting this status is unconstitutional and lacks empirical evidence of social and educational backwardness.
Background
On September 2, 2025, the Maharashtra government issued a GR categorizing Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi, and Kunbi-Maratha communities under the OBC category. This move has been met with legal challenges from individuals and organizations questioning the validity of the decision.
Court's Direction
A division bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, while declining to grant interim relief, has ordered the State's Social Justice Department to respond to the batch of petitions challenging the GR. The court emphasized the need for a detailed examination of the matter, considering its constitutional implications.
Implications
The court's directive underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and ensuring that decisions affecting the OBC status of communities are backed by substantial evidence and legal scrutiny. The outcome of this case could have significant ramifications on the reservation policies and the classification of communities in Maharashtra.
The petitions are scheduled for further hearing on October 9, 2025, where the Maharashtra government's response will be awaited.
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