MP HC defers 27% OBC quota, case hearing to May 13
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday deferred the much-awaited final hearing in the 27 per cent OBC reservation case, scheduling fresh dates for May 13, 14 and 15. The development comes as a setback for parties anticipating an early resolution to the long-pending issue.
The hearing was postponed due to the unavailability of records transferred from the Supreme Court. During proceedings, the division bench directed the State Government to ensure that all relevant documents from the apex court are placed on record before the next hearing. The court made it clear that arguments in the matter will commence only after the necessary records are formally uploaded and verified.
The case had earlier been listed for continuous hearing from April 27 to April 29. However, proceedings could not continue as planned, with technical and procedural gaps emerging on the second day, leading to the adjournment.
On April 28, the court formally rescheduled the hearing and fixed three consecutive dates in May to take up the matter in detail.
The delay is primarily linked to four petitions that were earlier transferred to the Supreme Court but were not listed for hearing there. Subsequently, the apex court, through its orders dated February 19 and March 20, 2026, returned all such petitions to the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
The Supreme Court had observed that the transfer of cases was not procedurally justified and advised that the High Court constitute a special bench to dispose of the matter within a stipulated time frame of three months.
During the earlier hearing on April 27, the High Court had asked counsels representing various parties to indicate the time required for their arguments, in order to streamline the final hearing process. The court also sought clarity from the State Government regarding legal representation. On April 28, the Advocate General informed the court that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj would represent the State.
Several senior advocates appeared on behalf of the petitioners and intervenors, presenting their positions on the issue.
The outcome of the case is expected to have far-reaching implications for recruitment processes and admissions in Madhya Pradesh, as the legality and implementation of the 27 per cent OBC reservation remain under judicial scrutiny.
