July 14, 2026

. 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. The withdrawal comes after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal following the 2026 Assembly elections.The West Bengal Backward Classes Commission also withdrew its separate appeal against the high court’s judgment.Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for some affected persons, sought liberty to pursue separate special leave petitions (SLPs).While allowing the withdrawals, the Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent any other aggrieved party from challenging the Calcutta high court judgment.On November 6, 2025, the apex court had directed that no further proceedings be held before the Calcutta high court in the matter while hearing multiple petitions challenging the verdict.In May 2024, the Calcutta high court struck down the inclusion of 77 communities in the state’s OBC list, holding that the reservation granted to them was legally unsustainable. Of the 77 communities, 75 were Muslim communities. The court observed that religion appeared to have been the sole criterion for granting OBC status and found legal infirmities in the identification process.The high court had quashed OBC status granted to 77 communities between April and September 2010. It had also struck down the inclusion of 37 additional classes under the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Act, 2012.With the withdrawal of the state’s appeal, the challenge to the high court judgment will now continue only if pursued by other affected parties before the Supreme Court.Recently, the BJP-led West Bengal government discontinued religion-based categorisation under the earlier OBC framework and passed two Bills to restructure the state’s reservation policy in line with the high court’s judgment.Under the revised framework, the state retained only the 66 communities recognised through surveys conducted before 2010 and removed the 77 communities whose inclusion had been invalidated by the high court. It also reduced OBC reservation in government services and posts from 17% to 7% and restored the statutory role of the Backward Classes Commission in conducting surveys, examining applications for inclusion or exclusion of communities, and making recommendations to the state government.The government also regularised the 66 pre-2010 OBC communities, making them eligible for the revised 7% reservation quota in government jobs and services. The list includes communities such as Kapali, Kurmi, Karmakar, Sutradhar, Swarnakar, Napit, Tanti, Dhanuk, Kasai, Devanga and Goala, along with three Muslim communities: Paharia, Hajjam and Chowduli.(with inputs from PTI)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | Watch123Photostories10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
. 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. The withdrawal comes after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal following the 2026 Assembly elections.The West Bengal Backward Classes Commission also withdrew its separate appeal against the high court’s judgment.Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for some affected persons, sought liberty to pursue separate special leave petitions (SLPs).While allowing the withdrawals, the Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent any other aggrieved party from challenging the Calcutta high court judgment.On November 6, 2025, the apex court had directed that no further proceedings be held before the Calcutta high court in the matter while hearing multiple petitions challenging the verdict.In May 2024, the Calcutta high court struck down the inclusion of 77 communities in the state’s OBC list, holding that the reservation granted to them was legally unsustainable. Of the 77 communities, 75 were Muslim communities. The court observed that religion appeared to have been the sole criterion for granting OBC status and found legal infirmities in the identification process.The high court had quashed OBC status granted to 77 communities between April and September 2010. It had also struck down the inclusion of 37 additional classes under the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Act, 2012.With the withdrawal of the state’s appeal, the challenge to the high court judgment will now continue only if pursued by other affected parties before the Supreme Court.Recently, the BJP-led West Bengal government discontinued religion-based categorisation under the earlier OBC framework and passed two Bills to restructure the state’s reservation policy in line with the high court’s judgment.Under the revised framework, the state retained only the 66 communities recognised through surveys conducted before 2010 and removed the 77 communities whose inclusion had been invalidated by the high court. It also reduced OBC reservation in government services and posts from 17% to 7% and restored the statutory role of the Backward Classes Commission in conducting surveys, examining applications for inclusion or exclusion of communities, and making recommendations to the state government.The government also regularised the 66 pre-2010 OBC communities, making them eligible for the revised 7% reservation quota in government jobs and services. The list includes communities such as Kapali, Kurmi, Karmakar, Sutradhar, Swarnakar, Napit, Tanti, Dhanuk, Kasai, Devanga and Goala, along with three Muslim communities: Paharia, Hajjam and Chowduli.(with inputs from PTI)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | Watch123Photostories10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war


OBC status of 77 castes: Suvendu government withdraws Mamata-era SC challenge to HC verdict

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. The withdrawal comes after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal following the 2026 Assembly elections.The West Bengal Backward Classes Commission also withdrew its separate appeal against the high court’s judgment.Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for some affected persons, sought liberty to pursue separate special leave petitions (SLPs).While allowing the withdrawals, the Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent any other aggrieved party from challenging the Calcutta high court judgment.On November 6, 2025, the apex court had directed that no further proceedings be held before the Calcutta high court in the matter while hearing multiple petitions challenging the verdict.In May 2024, the Calcutta high court struck down the inclusion of 77 communities in the state’s OBC list, holding that the reservation granted to them was legally unsustainable. Of the 77 communities, 75 were Muslim communities. The court observed that religion appeared to have been the sole criterion for granting OBC status and found legal infirmities in the identification process.The high court had quashed OBC status granted to 77 communities between April and September 2010. It had also struck down the inclusion of 37 additional classes under the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Act, 2012.With the withdrawal of the state’s appeal, the challenge to the high court judgment will now continue only if pursued by other affected parties before the Supreme Court.Recently, the BJP-led West Bengal government discontinued religion-based categorisation under the earlier OBC framework and passed two Bills to restructure the state’s reservation policy in line with the high court’s judgment.Under the revised framework, the state retained only the 66 communities recognised through surveys conducted before 2010 and removed the 77 communities whose inclusion had been invalidated by the high court. It also reduced OBC reservation in government services and posts from 17% to 7% and restored the statutory role of the Backward Classes Commission in conducting surveys, examining applications for inclusion or exclusion of communities, and making recommendations to the state government.The government also regularised the 66 pre-2010 OBC communities, making them eligible for the revised 7% reservation quota in government jobs and services. The list includes communities such as Kapali, Kurmi, Karmakar, Sutradhar, Swarnakar, Napit, Tanti, Dhanuk, Kasai, Devanga and Goala, along with three Muslim communities: Paharia, Hajjam and Chowduli.(with inputs from PTI)



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Central expert panel approves environmental clearance for 1,000 MW Naying hydro-power project of Arunachal Pradesh NEW DELHI: An expert panel of the Union environment ministry has recommended green clearance to the 1,000 MW Naying hydro-electric project, paving the way for other statutory clearances and construction of this run-of-the-river project across the Siyom River in Siang and Shi-Yomi districts, close to the India-China border, in Arunachal Pradesh.Environmental clearance (EC) of the project was pending for a long time. 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Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. 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Central expert panel approves environmental clearance for 1,000 MW Naying hydro-power project of Arunachal Pradesh NEW DELHI: An expert panel of the Union environment ministry has recommended green clearance to the 1,000 MW Naying hydro-electric project, paving the way for other statutory clearances and construction of this run-of-the-river project across the Siyom River in Siang and Shi-Yomi districts, close to the India-China border, in Arunachal Pradesh.Environmental clearance (EC) of the project was pending for a long time. 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. NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday called for an artificial intelligence-driven economic transition that protects jobs, social security and human dignity, while Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) pressed for alternative economic models to tackle poverty, unequal wealth distribution and vulnerabilities faced by workers under the free-market system.At the inaugural session of the BRICS Trade Union Forum Summit 2026, labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India’s approach to global governance was rooted in its “Humanity First” philosophy and stressed that the gains from technology-led growth must reach workers on the shop floor.“The transition into a digital, AI-driven economy must remain worker-centric, equitable and protective of human dignity,” Mandaviya said. 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Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | WatchOne Indian Crew Member Killed As Iranian Missiles Strike UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz’I’ll Commit Suicide’: Former CEC SY Quraishi Recalls PM Manmohan Singh’s Emotional CallIndia Launches UNSC 2028-29 Bid, Unveils SHANTI Vision For Global Leadership And Reform | Watch123PhotostoriesAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? 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