Kolkata, May 2025 — The ongoing process of preparing a fresh OBC (Other Backward Classes) list in West Bengal has come under judicial scrutiny once again. The Calcutta High Court has raised serious questions about the methodology used in the state’s latest survey for identifying OBC communities.
This comes after the Court had earlier struck down the OBC list created by the state government post-2010, citing lack of scientific basis and transparency. The state was instructed to conduct a fresh and evidence-based survey. However, recent developments suggest that several of the previously excluded communities have been re-included in the new list without clear justification.
Why Is the High Court Questioning the Survey?
During a recent hearing, the Division Bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Rajasekhar Mantha expressed concern over the fact that the State Backward Classes Commission had accepted applications from communities that were earlier removed from the OBC list by the court itself.
The bench asked: “On what basis is the commission accepting applications from those very communities that were earlier excluded?”
Moreover, the court noted discrepancies in how the commission invited applications. While the state claims advertisements were issued, the court questioned why there was no official notification from the commission itself.
Court Questions Advertisement Transparency
The bench observed that any such crucial public process must be transparent and widely communicated. The state’s advertisement for the OBC survey was deemed insufficient and lacking clarity.
As a result, the High Court directed the commission to immediately publish a detailed and clear notification in widely circulated newspapers. This notification must specify how and from whom applications for inclusion in the OBC list will be accepted.
Additionally, the court has instructed BDOs (Block Development Officers) across districts to assist in this public communication to ensure rural communities are well-informed and not left out of the process.
National Backward Classes Commission Added to the Case
In a major move to enhance the transparency and credibility of the process, the court has also brought in the National Commission for Backward Classes as a party to the case. This adds a national layer of scrutiny and reflects the seriousness of the matter.
According to the court, decisions involving backward class identification should follow national standards and not be influenced by political motivations or state-level pressure.
State Commission’s Response: Partial Acceptance
Initially, the State Backward Classes Commission did not accept the court’s objections, insisting that the current procedure was lawful. However, after continued questioning, the commission partially agreed to the court’s observations and stated that it would now issue clearer notifications and follow more transparent procedures.
At the same time, the commission appealed to the High Court not to immediately intervene in the current process. The court has accepted this request for the moment but made it clear that the commission must file a detailed affidavit explaining the methodology and scientific basis behind the new survey.
Next Hearing Scheduled for June 19
The case will be heard again on June 19, when the court will review the affidavit submitted by the commission and decide on the future course of action.
The judges emphasized that the identification of OBCs is a constitutional matter and should be handled with utmost objectivity and care. Political motives must not drive such sensitive social decisions.
Background: How Did the Controversy Start?
The controversy dates back to the period after 2010, when the West Bengal government reportedly added several communities to the OBC list without conducting any scientific or socio-economic analysis. Multiple petitions were filed, challenging the constitutional validity of this list.
In 2024, the Calcutta High Court invalidated the list and ordered a fresh, transparent, and fact-based survey. The ongoing survey was meant to fulfill that court order.
Why Does This Matter So Much?
Reservation and social justice policies are at the heart of India’s effort to uplift historically marginalized communities. But these benefits must reach the genuinely backward and disadvantaged, not those included through political favoritism.
Without transparency, deserving communities may be denied their rightful place on the list, while others may gain benefits unjustly. This is why the judiciary is taking such a strong stand to ensure fairness in the process.
Political Reactions
This judicial intervention has triggered strong reactions in the political landscape. Opposition parties have accused the ruling government of manipulating the list to serve political interests, especially ahead of upcoming elections.
On the other hand, the ruling party has defended its actions, stating that they are acting as per constitutional provisions and public demand.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
As of now, the state commission must issue new advertisements and submit an affidavit detailing its survey process. The June 19 hearing is expected to be a pivotal moment in this case.
With the inclusion of the National Commission for Backward Classes and the High Court’s sharp focus, this case could redefine how caste-based reservation and inclusion processes are handled in West Bengal — and perhaps even influence national policy.
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