MP: State Government to move Supreme Court following HC ruling on OBC reservation

Bhopal. Following the Jabalpur High Court’s verdict on OBC reservation in Madhya Pradesh, the state government has announced plans to approach the Supreme Court. Cabinet Minister Prahlad Patel stated that this is a constitutionally sensitive matter and the government will present its case robustly in court.

Holding the erstwhile Kamal Nath government responsible for the dispute surrounding the 27% OBC reservation, he alleged that the ordinance was introduced in a rush for political gain without establishing a sufficient constitutional basis. Patel asserted that the BJP has always supported the interests of the backward classes, noting that the party has acted responsibly on issues such as OBC reservation and securing constitutional status for the Backward Classes Commission. According to him, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav had also convened an all-party meeting on this issue, and the government’s stance was presented in court based on a consensus.

Cited the 50% reservation cap
The Minister stated that the then Congress government failed to present a solid basis for exceeding the 50% reservation limit. He further alleged that although the Backward Classes Commission had already been granted constitutional status at the time, the government did not deem it necessary to seek the Commission’s concurrence. According to Patel, the High Court’s observations have raised questions regarding the decision-making process of the previous government. He accused the Congress of introducing the ordinance for political advantage and now attempting to evade responsibility. Patel remarked that the Congress should explain why there was no adequate discussion on constitutional provisions and limits during the legal battle over reservation.

Termed the decision regarding past appointments as appropriate
Patel described the High Court’s ruling—which stipulated that individuals appointed between 2019 and 2022 should not be removed from their jobs—as appropriate. He stated that the state government would take necessary steps regarding future challenges and issues of adjustment related to reservation. The Minister clarified that the government would approach the Supreme Court regarding this decision. According to him, the government will continue its legal battle concerning this sensitive matter involving the interests of the OBC category.