Maratha body files caveat pleading not to give unilateral stay on reservation decision
Maratha Group Files Notice to Protect Their Rights in Court Over Reservation Debate
In a major development in Maharashtra’s ongoing reservation fight, the Rashtriya Chhava Sanghatan (RCS), representing the Maratha community, has taken a legal step to ensure their voice is heard. They have filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, Bombay High Court, and the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar bench of the Bombay High Court. This move asks courts not to pass any decisions on petitions filed by OBC organizations against the Maharashtra government’s decision to give Marathas reservation benefits under the OBC (Other Backward Classes) quota without hearing the Maratha community first.
RCS President Gangadhar Kalkute Patil explained, “We have filed a caveat on behalf of the Maratha community. We want the courts to listen to us before staying or cancelling the government resolution related to the Hyderabad Gazette.” He also mentioned plans to meet prominent Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and provide all necessary documents to support their case.
The main goal of this legal move is to prevent the courts from issuing a unilateral stay or suspension of the reservation benefits for Marathas without hearing their side. Kalkute Patil added, “The courts should give us a fair hearing. Since we’ve filed this caveat, any judgment will only come after listening to the Maratha community. This stops any sudden decisions against our community’s reservation rights.”
He further emphasized that this step offers legal protection for the Maratha community and boosts their confidence that they won’t be caught off guard by sudden court decisions. It also helps keep the ongoing movement for reservation stronger and more organized.
This legal action comes at a time when several leaders, including veteran OBC politician Chhagan Bhujbal from the NCP, and other OBC organizations, are warning that they might challenge the government’s decision in court. They argue that granting Kunbi caste certificates—used by some Marathas to claim OBC benefits—could threaten the reservation rights of over 370 other OBC communities and upset the existing reservation balance.
Bhujbal and others say that changing caste status through certificates without proper verification can hurt the fairness of the reservation system. They warn that if Marathas are allowed to claim Kunbi status easily, it might reduce the share of reservations available to other OBC groups.
This legal and political debate is heating up in Maharashtra as both sides prepare for possible court battles. The Maratha community is determined to secure their reservation rights, while opponents are concerned about preserving the existing quota system for OBCs across the state.
