The Madhya Pradesh High Court has delivered a historic and significant judgement regarding the OBC (Other Backward Class) reservation. The court has struck down the State Government’s decision and amendment law in 2019 to increase OBC reservation from 14 to 27 per cent. The High Court has clarified that OBC reservation in Madhya Pradesh will remain limited to 14 per cent. Following the decision, MP’s Advocate General Prashant Singh held a press conference on Friday and outlined the key points of the court’s 159-page order.

 

AG Singh stated that the High Court examined the law increasing OBC reservation from 14 per cent to 27 per cent under its ordinance (2/2019) dated March 8, 2019. The court found that no extraordinary circumstances could be established in the case that warranted the 50 per cent limit. Therefore, OBC reservation has been limited to 14 per cent. The High Court has protected all appointments made under the 27 per cent OBC reservation between September 2, 2019, and September 29, 2022. The Government has been directed to adjust this excess reservation in the next three selection processes. An order has been issued to appoint eligible candidates from the Unreserved (General) category on the 13 per cent hold posts that were blocked under the 87-13 per cent formula in other recruitments, including MPPSC and MPESB. This entire recruitment process must be completed within three months, the order stated. Advocate General Prashant Singh stated that the High Court’s 159-page analytical order is being carefully studied and examined, after which the State Government will decide on further legal action and next steps.