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Synopsis

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court challenging the appointment of Retired Justice Sunil B Shukre as the Chairman and other members of the Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes (MSCBC).

The PIL was mentioned today before the division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Devendra K Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor, which posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.

The Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes (MSCBC), headed by Retired Justice Sunil Shukre, recently submitted a report recommending reservation for the Maratha community.

The cabinet approved this recommendation, and a bill for 10% reservation for Marathas was tabled and approved in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Ashish Mishra challenges the appointment of the Chairman and Members of MSCBC, alleging that proper procedures were not followed.

The PIL also seeks a stay on the commission's recommendations to the State Government.

The PIL challenges the appointment of Retired Justice SB Shukre as the Chairman and other members of the MSCBC alleging a conflict of interest.

The PIL claims that Justice Shukre's appointment was intended to negotiate with Maratha leader Manoj Jarenge Patil, assuring him of reservation.

Additionally, the plea asserts that previous commission members were forced to resign for refusing to survey the Maratha community.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf, representing the state government, stated that he was not served with the petition.

The high court directed the petitioner to serve a copy of the petition to the Advocate General, and the matter has been scheduled for a hearing after two weeks.

Case title: Ashish Mishra vs State of Maharastra & Ors