Not Only News Service: Amid growing concerns over delays in the OBC reservation case, West Bengal’s Progressive Intellectuals of Bengal (PIB) held a crucial meeting with Minister Firhad Hakim to discuss the ongoing legal battle. The Kolkata High Court’s decision to scrap OBC reservations is currently under challenge in the Supreme Court, with the hearing expected as early as Tuesday. However, past postponements have raised worries that the matter might face further delays.
With Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud set to retire on November 10, stakeholders are pushing for a resolution before his retirement. Any further delay, they fear, could significantly hinder progress. To prevent this, the state government, alongside OBC candidates, plans to submit an urgent plea for an expedited hearing.
Minister Hakim reassured PIB that the government is taking decisive steps to address the issue, including legal consultations regarding 77 communities under the OBC category. A fresh survey is being planned to reissue OBC certificates, though this process will require some time.
One of the pressing concerns highlighted during the meeting was the difficulty many people face in obtaining Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificates. Hakim promised swift intervention, offering government support to those entangled in the administrative delays.
Legal expert Kapil Sibal has been urged to bring the matter before the Chief Justice. State officials, meanwhile, expressed optimism that with the Supreme Court’s approval, the survey could begin even as the case proceeds. Sanjay Bansal, a legal representative, cited a relevant Patna High Court ruling to emphasize that necessary steps would be taken.
Should the court grant permission, the government believes it can complete the survey within five to six months. Even if the case is prolonged, the survey will continue. The backlog in issuing NCL certificates is also a major issue, with many students facing challenges due to the delay. Bansal encouraged PIB members to list the names of affected students, assuring that immediate steps would be taken to address their concerns.
Prominent figures from PIB, including President Prof. Dr. Manazat Ali Biswas, along with other intellectuals, participated in the meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a timely resolution of the OBC reservation matter.
