Introduction:

In a recent ruling, the Allahabad High Court addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the publication of the report submitted by the Justice Rohini Commission on the sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBC) caste groups. The petition, filed by the Eklavya Educational Foundation and Another, urged the Union Government to release the report for public scrutiny. However, the court, comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Vikas Budhwar, examined the constitutional provisions governing the submission of such reports and dismissed the PIL.

Arguments:

The petitioners contended that the report of the Justice Rohini Commission should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability in the process of sub-categorization of OBCs. They argued for the release of the report through a writ of mandamus, emphasizing the importance of equitable distribution of reservation benefits among OBC communities. On the other hand, the respondents, represented by counsel, cited Article 340(2) of the Constitution, stating that the report was submitted to the President of India and must be presented before both houses of Parliament before being made public.

Court’s Judgement:

The Allahabad High Court, after considering the arguments presented, ruled in favor of the respondents and dismissed the PIL. The court noted that the submission of the report to the President and its subsequent presentation before Parliament, as mandated by Article 340(2) and (3) of the Constitution, adhered to the constitutional provisions governing such matters. Therefore, the court concluded that no case was made out for the release of the report before the completion of the prescribed process.