Supreme Court to Review West Bengal’s OBC List Controversy

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The Supreme Court will hear a plea from the West Bengal government challenging the Calcutta High Court’s decision to stay a new list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The high court had previously nullified an earlier list that added 77 communities, prompting the state to undertake a new identification process.

In response to a request for immediate listing by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing the state, Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran agreed to hold an urgent hearing. The case examines the balance between legislative power and executive authority.

Sibal argued against the high court’s decision, citing previous rulings, including the 1992 Indira Sawhney verdict, which supported the executive’s role in identifying OBCs. The high court believed the state was attempting to re-include disqualified classes.

(With inputs from agencies.)

📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz

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What is the main reason for the West Bengal government to challenge the Calcutta High Court's decision?

A. The high court nullified an earlier list of OBCs that added 77 communities. B. The state wants to include more communities in the OBC list without a new identification process. C. The high court did not support the executive's role in identifying OBCs. D. The state is trying to re-include disqualified classes that were previously removed.

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