Sting Newz Service: In a recent meeting between the Progressive Intellectuals of Bengal (PIB) and West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim, discussions focused on the ongoing legal battle over Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations. The Kolkata High Court’s decision to cancel OBC reservations has been challenged in the Supreme Court, with a crucial hearing potentially set for Tuesday. However, delays in previous hearings have raised concerns that the case may be postponed further.
With Chief Justice DY Chandrachud scheduled to retire on November 10, experts are pressing for a resolution before his departure, fearing further postponements could complicate matters. The state government and OBC candidates are expected to file an urgent appeal to expedite the hearing.
Minister Firhad Hakim reassured PIB representatives that the state is taking the issue seriously and has already sought legal advice regarding the status of 77 communities under the OBC category. Ongoing consultations with legal experts are aimed at conducting a fresh survey and reissuing OBC certificates in compliance with the law, though this may take some time.
One of the key issues raised during the meeting was the difficulty many people face in obtaining Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificates. Hakim promised that the government would provide assistance to those stuck in the bureaucratic process of obtaining NCL certification.
PIB representatives called for legal expert Kapil Sibal to mention the issue before the Chief Justice, and state officials are hopeful that with Supreme Court approval, they could begin the survey process while the case is still being heard. Sanjay Bansal, a legal representative, cited a similar ruling from the Patna High Court and assured that the government would take necessary steps accordingly.
If the Supreme Court grants permission, the government estimates that the survey could be completed within five to six months, even if the legal proceedings take longer. Meanwhile, the backlog in NCL certificate issuance is causing significant difficulties, with many students facing hardships due to the delays. Bansal urged PIB members to submit lists of affected students so that the government can take immediate action to resolve their issues.
Several prominent figures from PIB, including President Prof. Dr. Manazat Ali Biswas and other academics, attended the meeting, pledging to continue advocating for a timely resolution to the OBC reservation issue.
