Include Reddy community in other list of OBCs in Tamil Nadu

Madras High Court on Monday directed the Centre to include the Reddy (Ganjam) community in the Central List of Other Backward Classes for the state of Tamil Nadu within six months.

Tamil Nadu Reddy (Ganjam) Utpirivu Nalasangam, Coimbatore had sought a direction to the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Secretary and Chairman of National Commission for Backward Communities to include their community in the central list of OBCs for Tamil Nadu within a stipulated timeframe.

Counsel for Tamil Nadu Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes Welfare Secretary submitted that the state government has already made its recommendations to include many communities, including Reddy (Ganjam) community to be included in the list of OBCs the state.

Counsel for the Centre submitted that survey has already been done by authorities in some districts in Tamil Nadu and irelevant work has to be carried out in certain other districts as well thereafter trial orders will be passed.

After hearing submissions from counsels, Justice K Suguna, said, ".. in view of the submission made by counsel appearing for respondents 1 and 2 (Union Social Justice and Empowerment Secretary and Chairman of National Commission for Backward Communities), respondents are directed to pass orders with regard to this issue within a period of six months from date of receipt of the copy of this order."

She added, "While passing orders, they are directed to take into consideration the recommendations of state government also since the relief sought is with reference to the state of Tamil Nadu."