In a major development affecting Maharashtra's reservation system , the Bombay High Court has ​​asked the state government to file a detailed reply within four weeks on a controversial government resolution that allows eligible members of the Maratha community to obtain Kunbi caste certificates for availing benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, noted that the core issue can only be resolved after thoroughly reviewing the government's submission, making this a key stage in the ongoing dispute over community reservations.

Background:

The petitioners told the High Court that the government resolution could weaken OBC entitlements by allowing Maratha members to be included in the category, which may strain the existing benefits. The plea was filed amid growing unrest, as Mumbai was recently brought to a standstill by large-scale protests demanding a separate 10% quota for Marathas within the OBC category. During the unrest, clashes broke out between activists and the authorities, prompting the court to earlier criticize the government for its handling of the protests.

Notably, the resolution in question was issued on September 2 by officials from the Kunbi Sena, Maharashtra Kunbi Samaj, Maratha Seva Sangh, Ahir Sumerkar Samaj, and Maharashtra Nabhi Mahamandal, with the stated objective of addressing historical caste overlaps to support affirmative action measures.

Case Details: KUNBI SENA THRU. V. R. PATIL VS. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA THRU. C.S.AND ORS