In a significant move, the Calcutta High Court has cancelled 5 lakh OBC certificates in West Bengal, leading to a major political and social upheaval. The decision is a significant blow to the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee, especially with the Lok Sabha elections approaching. Previously, the court had also cancelled 26,000 teacher appointments due to recruitment scams.
However, the court clarified that those who have already secured jobs or benefits through these OBC certificates will not be affected, providing some relief to many.
The historical judgment affects certificates issued post-2010, with the division bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Rajasekhar Mantha ruling the decision. This ruling impacts individuals who received OBC certificates under classifications introduced after Mamata Banerjee's government came into power in 2011.
Key Details:
Affected Certificates: Post-2010 issued OBC certificates
Court Decision: 42 classifications termed unlawful
Ruling Impact: Affects 5 lakh certificate holders
Exemptions: Existing job holders and reservation beneficiaries unaffected
Mamata Banerjee, expressing strong dissatisfaction with the verdict, stated that they would not accept the court's decision. She claimed the classification followed a house-to-house survey and was approved by the legislature, accusing the BJP government of using central agencies to disrupt state laws.
