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.
