State-specific OBC status does not travel on migration; candidates may still be assessed under the general category.

Backward class status is jurisdiction-specific and depends on the relevant State or Union Territory list and certification requirements; an OBC certificate issued outside Delhi did not establish eligibility for Delhi recruitment. However, where applicants otherwise met the general eligibility criteria and the OBC claim was only an additional basis, rejection could not be total. The candidates were therefore to be assessed as general category applicants, and appointment would follow if they satisfied the merit requirement. The recruitment matter was remitted for reconsideration on that basis.

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Issues: (i) Whether a candidate claiming Other Backward Classes status on the basis of a certificate issued by a State other than Delhi could be treated as eligible for reservation in Delhi recruitment; (ii) Whether such candidates, if not entitled to OBC reservation, were still entitled to be considered in the general category.

Issue (i): Whether a candidate claiming Other Backward Classes status on the basis of a certificate issued by a State other than Delhi could be treated as eligible for reservation in Delhi recruitment.

Analysis: The classification of backward classes is state- or union territory-specific and depends upon the social and educational disadvantages prevailing in that particular area. A caste or community recognised as OBC in one State does not automatically acquire the same status in another State on migration. The notification governing recruitment to posts under the National Capital Territory of Delhi required certificates issued by the designated Delhi authorities and contemplated recognition of OBC status under the Delhi list only. Certificates from authorities outside Delhi could not satisfy that requirement.

Conclusion: The claim to OBC reservation on the basis of certificates issued outside Delhi was not valid.

Issue (ii): Whether such candidates, if not entitled to OBC reservation, were still entitled to be considered in the general category.

Analysis: The applications contained all particulars of general eligibility and qualifications, with the OBC claim being an additional assertion. Once the OBC basis failed, the candidates' applications were not to be rejected altogether but were to be evaluated as general category applications. If they secured the requisite merit, they were entitled to appointment against general category vacancies.

Conclusion: The candidates were entitled to be considered in the general category.

Final Conclusion: The impugned order was set aside and the recruitment cases were directed to be reconsidered on the basis of general category eligibility, with appointment to follow where the candidates satisfied the merit requirement.

Ratio Decidendi: Reservation status for backward classes is determined by the specific State or Union Territory list and the governing local certification requirements, and migration does not carry that status automatically into another jurisdiction.

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