Supreme Court of India to Consider Plea for Extension of OBC Reservation Benefits to Pasmanda Muslims

The Supreme Court of India on Monday sought detailed data on backward Muslim communities while hearing a PIL seeking 10% reservation for Pasmanda Muslims within the OBC category.

A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned whether Pasmandas are the only backward group among Muslims.

The petition, filed by Mohd Waseem Saifi, relies on the Ranganath Misra Commission recommendations and seeks sub-categorisation within OBCs. The Bench asked for statistical backing, observing that the reservation cannot overlook other poor Muslim communities.

The Court granted four weeks to file a detailed note, signalling that any sub-quota must meet constitutional scrutiny under equality principles.

[Mohd. Waseem Saifi v. UOI & Ors.]