Bombay HC Deliberates on Maratha Reservation PILs

The Bombay High Court on Thursday declined to consider public interest litigations (PILs) against the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to the Maratha community. The court cited that the petitioners were not aggrieved individuals and referred to existing petitions from the OBC category, which are scheduled for a hearing by another bench.

Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad noted that the PILs were 'thoroughly misconceived,' emphasizing that challenges should come from those directly impacted. The court suggested the current petitioners could join existing cases, and if necessary, participate upon request by the hearing bench.

Activist Manoj Jarange's five-day hunger strike, demanding recognition of Marathas under the Kunbi caste for reservation purposes, had prompted the government to announce measures to facilitate certificate issuance. This move caused unrest within the OBC community, leading to further legal challenges expected to be addressed on September 22.