Overview

• The petitions by Kunbi Sena, Maharashtra Mali Samaj Mahasangh, Ahir Suvarnkar Samaj Sanstha, Sadanand Mandalik, and Maharashtra Nabhik Mahamandal challenge a September 2 resolution tied to Hyderabad Gazetteer records.
• The government measure enables eligible Marathas from Marathwada who can establish OBC antecedents to obtain Kunbi caste certificates for quota benefits.
• Senior counsel for petitioners argued the move is arbitrary and unconstitutional and warned that imminent civic polls could see ineligible candidates secure reserved seats, creating an irreversible situation.
• Advocate General Birendra Saraf opposed interim relief, contending the challengers are not directly aggrieved and questioning their locus standi.
• The court declined to comment on merits at this stage, issued notice to the state, and posted the cluster of cases for further hearing after the four-week response period.