Bombay HC Seeks Maharashtra’s Reply on Kunbi Certificates to Marathas, No Interim Relief Granted

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday declined to grant interim relief in a batch of petitions challenging the Maharashtra government’s decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad directed the State government to file its reply within four weeks. The Bench observed that it would take a final call only after reviewing the State’s response.

The petitions, filed by various Kunbi organisations, argued that the Government Resolution (GR) dated September 2 would effectively allow the inclusion of Marathas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, which could affect existing reservation benefits.

The petitioners include Kunbi Sena, Maharashtra Mali Samaj Mahasangh, Ahir Suvarnkar Samaj Sanstha, Sadanand Mandalik, and Maharashtra Nabhik Mahamandal.

Earlier this year, several parts of Maharashtra witnessed massive protests demanding that Marathas be granted OBC status by recognising them as Kunbis. The agitation, led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, had disrupted normal life in many areas. The High Court had also criticised the government for its handling of the protest situation.

The matter will now be taken up after the State submits its affidavit in response to the petitions.