The apex court clarified that examining the constitutional validity of OBC reservation would be more appropriate at the High Court level. It directed the High Court to complete hearings and deliver a final verdict within two months.

Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Delay

During the hearing, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the role of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, observing that unnecessary delays had prevented recruitment processes from being completed and left the reservation situation unclear. On this basis, the court limited its intervention and remitted the matter back to the High Court.

Dispute Originated From 2019 Decision

The controversy began in 2019 when the state government decided to increase OBC reservation from 14% to 27%. Preparations were initiated to implement the provision in government recruitments, but multiple petitions were soon filed in the High Court challenging the move.

Petitioners argued that raising OBC reservation would push total reservation in the state well beyond the 50% cap, allegedly contradicting earlier Supreme Court rulings.

87–13 Formula as Interim Arrangement

Under interim High Court orders, recruitment was carried out for 87% of posts, while the remaining 13% were kept on hold pending the final decision on OBC reservation. The state government later approached the Supreme Court against this arrangement.

All Eyes Now on High Court Verdict

Following the latest Supreme Court order, the entire matter once again rests with the High Court. With a two-month deadline set, candidates, government authorities, and recruitment agencies are now awaiting the final ruling.