Tue Oct 07 09:36:49 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text you provided:

**Summary:**

The Bombay High Court has refused to temporarily halt the Maharashtra government’s decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members who can prove their OBC (Other Backward Classes) lineage. The court heard petitions from OBC groups who argued that this move would dilute existing reservation benefits and create administrative confusion. The court declined to issue a stay, requesting the state government to file a response within four weeks. The government argued that the petitioners lacked the standing to challenge the resolution, which followed protests demanding OBC recognition for Marathas.

**News Article:**

**Bombay High Court Refuses to Block Maratha Caste Certificate Issuance Amid OBC Concerns**

**MUMBAI, October 7, 2025** – The Bombay High Court today declined to issue an interim stay on the Maharashtra government’s decision to grant Kunbi caste certificates to members of the Maratha community who can demonstrate their lineage falls within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The ruling comes amidst concerns raised by various OBC groups, who fear the move will impact existing reservation entitlements.

A Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, heard petitions from groups including the Kunbi Sena and Maharashtra Mali Samaj Mahasangh. The petitioners argued that the government’s September 2nd resolution (GR), enabling Marathas to obtain Kunbi caste certificates based on historical documentation, could potentially dilute OBC reservation benefits.

The court, however, refrained from commenting on the merits of the case at this stage, directing the Maharashtra government to file its response within four weeks. “We are not inclined to elaborate on the issues raised by the petitioners at this stage and hence decline to grant any interim relief,” the Bench stated.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf, representing the state government, countered that the petitioners lacked the legal standing to challenge the GR, as they were not directly affected by it.

The government resolution was issued following a five-day protest led by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who demanded recognition of Kunbi ancestry among Marathas, paving the way for their inclusion in the OBC category. Petitioners argue the resolution is vague, arbitrary, and could create administrative chaos regarding caste certification for Kunbi, Kunbi Maratha, and Maratha Kunbi groups. The court will consider the matter further after reviewing the state government’s response.

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