'Calcutta HC order scrapping OBC certificates comes at an important time': Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview to Dainik Jagran, refuted West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s allegation that the Bharatiya Janata Party influenced the recent Calcutta High Court judgement which cancelled all Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010.

The Calcutta High Court on May 22 cancelled all Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010. The Court clarified that those who had attained employment on the benefit of the act and were already in service because of such reservation would not be affected by the order.

The Prime Minister added that what the TMC chief is saying is not important. “The most important thing is what the court has said. The court has called it completely unconstitutional and illegal. One good thing is that this decision has come when there is a discussion going on in the country regarding the issue,” stated PM Modi.

Around five lakh OBC certificates have been cancelled through this verdict. Those who have already attained employment or benefited from the OBC reservation will not be affected by the order. However, the cancelled OBC certificates cannot be used for applying for government jobs or availing other facilities.

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.

Reacting to Mamata Banerjee’s strong response against the HC verdict, the Prime Minister said the state dispensation’s blatant discrimination towards the backward classes has been exposed. They have been caught red handed and the faces of these people have been exposed across the country. “So there will definitely be some panic. It is certain that the backward, Dalit, deprived and tribal communities across the country will not forgive them.” stated the prime minister.

The verdict has drawn a strong response from TMC chief 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.