Overview

• In a detailed affidavit filed on September 23, the government seeks validation of its 2019 move lifting the OBC quota from 14% to 27%, which takes total reservations beyond the Supreme Court’s 50% benchmark.
• Citing the 2011 Census and a 2023 state university survey, the filing says OBCs constitute more than 48–51% of Madhya Pradesh’s population and continue to face entrenched social and educational exclusion.
• The state relies on the Mahajan Commission and Madhya Pradesh Backward Classes Commission reports, noting the 1983 panel recommended a 35% OBC quota based on extensive field data.
• Arguing that stalled litigation has paralysed hiring since 2022, the government reports over 4,700 vacancies and asks to make appointments under the enhanced matrix subject to the case’s final outcome.
• A bench led by Justice P. S. Narasimha has taken over the consolidated petitions and listed the matter for October 8, as the current framework with SC at 16%, ST at 20%, OBC at 27% and a 10% EWS quota pushes the total above 70%.