Mamata Banerjee defies court order on OBC certificates, accuses BJP of conspiracy

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday annulled approximately 5 lakh Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates issued under a 2012 Act, declaring them illegal. This ruling represents a major setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

The division bench of Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Rajasekhar Mantha clarified that the decision would not impact those already in service, those who have succeeded in state government selection processes, or those who have utilized these certificates for reservations.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed strong opposition to the court's verdict, asserting that she would not accept it and that OBC reservations would continue. Speaking at an election rally, Banerjee criticized the BJP, accusing them of conspiring to undermine the OBC quota through central agencies. She labeled the court’s decision as a "black chapter" in the country and vowed to maintain the existing reservation system.

"The court's order won’t be accepted," Banerjee stated emphatically, highlighting her determination to continue the OBC reservation policy despite the ruling. She accused certain individuals of petitioning the court to disrupt OBC interests and criticized the BJP for its alleged role in this legal development.