OBC status of 77 castes: Suvendu govt withdraws Mamata-era SC challenge to HC verdict
The West Bengal government has withdrawn its Supreme Court appeal against a High Court verdict that struck down the OBC status of 77 communities. This decision follows a change in state leadership after the 2026 assembly elections.
Why it matters
The move marks a significant shift in state policy regarding reservation quotas and religious-based identification in government benefits.
NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government on Tuesday withdrew its appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta high court's May 2024 judgment that struck down the inclusion of 77 communities, including 75 Muslim communities, in the state's Other Backward Classes (OBC) list.The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal after the state informed the court that the West Bengal Cabinet had decided not to pursue the appeal.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana permitted the withdrawal after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, informed the court of the Cabinet's decision.The appeal had originally been filed by the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in