The Uttar Pradesh government’s move to relist 17 OBCs (Other Backward Classes)in the Schedule Caste list is unconstitutional and it is a transgression of Parliament’s jurisdiction, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot said in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Agreeing with Mr. Misra, Mr Gehlot said only Parliament haD the right to alter the notified list. Mr. Misra said under Article 341 sub clause (2) of the Constitution, the power to make changes in the SC list lay only with Parliament. These 17 castes would neither get the benefits meant for OBCs nor SCs since the State government had no power to make any alteration to the SC list. Mr. Misra said the Union government should issue an advisory, clearly stating that the State government’s order was “unconstitutional” and should be withdrawn with immediate effect.

Source: The Hindu July 02, 2019 09:29 UTC