Divan: Marathas have clearly been reported to be a forward-class in various Commission reports. Such communities have strong regional influence. Under the 1993, the NCBC set up in 2000, also informed the Govt. that Marathas were not a backward class.

Datar: NCBC clearly held that Maratha was not synonymous with Kunbi and that they could not be categorised as a backward class. It wasn't some kind of a flippant, superficial analysis. It was a very detailed consideration.

Datar: I echo the sentiment of Mr. Datar as well as the interim order passed by the Court which stated that you cannot suddenly have a situation after decades and decades of Independence and say that you’re sliding back.