West Bengal withdraws plea in SC against HC verdict striking down OBC status of 77 castes

New Delhi, Jul 14 (PTI) The West Bengal government on Tuesday withdrew from the Supreme Court a plea challenging the Calcutta High Court judgment striking down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, in the state's OBC list. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state government, that the government wanted to withdraw the petition. The bench also permitted the State Backward Classes Commission to withdraw its separate appeal on the issue. The law officer said the state cabinet has decided to withdraw the appeal. The bench permitted the withdrawals, while making it clear that any other aggrieved party is free to pursue its own appeal. The previous Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government had moved the apex court against the high court verdict which had struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, in the OBC list. PTI SJK PKS SJK KVK KVK KVK