MP Government Faces Supreme Court Rebuke for Absence in OBC Reservation Case

Bhopal, MP: In a glaring display of administrative negligence, the Madhya Pradesh government failed to send any legal representative to the Supreme Court on Thursday for a critical hearing on 27% OBC reservation cases. The bench, comprising Justice Narsingha and Justice Vijay Bishnoi, expressed its displeasure at the absence of government counsel during the hearing of case serial number 106.

Senior OBC advocate Anoop Chaudhary questioned the government’s intent, pointing out that five senior lawyers, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had been appointed to handle the case. Despite this, no lawyer appeared for the crucial hearing, raising concerns over the state government’s seriousness on the matter. In prior hearings, the government frequently sought adjournments, but on Thursday, it was completely absent.

Former MP Mahila Congress president and Vice-Chairperson of the Backward Classes Front, Vibha Patel, told Navbharat Times that this was not mere negligence but “a deliberate disregard for the rights of the OBC community” by the BJP government. At the special request of OBC lawyers, including Anoop George Chaudhary and Rameshwar Singh Thakur, the Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 4, 2026.

Interestingly, while there is no stay on the 27% OBC reservation law from either the High Court or Supreme Court, the MP government has kept 13% of posts on hold, delaying appointments. OBC supporters allege that the government is only offering “dates after dates” to mislead the community and stall the implementation of their rights.

These developments have intensified criticism of the state government’s handling of OBC reservation issues, with legal experts and social activists questioning the administration’s commitment to ensuring timely justice.