Supreme Court Paves Way for OBC Policy Implementation in West Bengal

The Supreme Court stayed the Calcutta High Court's decision, allowing the West Bengal government to implement an updated OBC list. The TMC praised the ruling, indicating opposition attempts to hinder education reforms. Critics urge fair process adherence while responding to halted appointments and admissions.

The Supreme Court has stepped in to stay a prior ruling by the Calcutta High Court that had stalled the implementation of an updated list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in West Bengal. This decision represents a relief for the state's ruling party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which had faced significant opposition over the issue.

According to TMC officials, including state general secretary Kunal Ghosh, the Supreme Court's action exposes attempts by left and right-wing lawyers to complicate educational reforms in the state. The TMC views the development as a moral victory for the OBC policy spearheaded by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Opposition parties, including the Congress and CPI(M), stress the need for a transparent and fair approach to OBC reservations. Critics like CPI(M)'s Mohammed Salim argue that the state administration needs to address issues in the reservation process to ensure equitable benefits, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)