Supreme Court of India Allows Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes and Tribes
New Delhi, India – In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that states have the power to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for reservation purposes. This decision was made by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, with a majority ruling of 6:1.
Key Points of the Judgement
The court stated that sub-classification within SCs and STs is permissible, provided it is based on effective representation and supported by empirical data. The judgement overruled a previous decision in the EV Chinnaiah case, which had held that SCs and STs form homogenous classes and cannot be sub-classified.
Majority Opinion
Chief Justice Chandrachud, along with Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Bela M Trivedi, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra, and Satish Chandra Sharma, delivered six separate opinions. They emphasized that the state must prove inter-se backwardness between castes with sufficient material and data. The court also noted that while sub-classification is allowed, it should not lead to exclusive benefits for certain castes over others.
Dissenting Opinion
Justice Bela M. Trivedi dissented, arguing that the Scheduled Castes should remain a homogenous class and that states do not have the legislative competence to sub-classify them. She maintained that the law laid down in the EV Chinnaiah case was correct and should be upheld.
Impact on Reservation Policies
The ruling has significant implications for reservation policies, including those in Punjab, where the government had stipulated that 50% of vacancies reserved for SCs in direct recruitment should be offered to Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs. This provision was previously struck down by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, but the Supreme Court’s new ruling allows for such sub-classifications, provided they are backed by empirical data.
Overall, the judgement aims to provide substantive equality of opportunity for backward classes by allowing states to address the varying levels of social backwardness within SCs and STs.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court of India -: The Supreme Court of India is the highest court in the country. It makes important decisions about laws and rights.
Sub-classification -: Sub-classification means dividing a group into smaller groups. Here, it means dividing Scheduled Castes and Tribes into smaller groups for reservations.
Scheduled Castes and Tribes -: Scheduled Castes and Tribes are groups of people in India who have been historically disadvantaged. The government gives them special help, like reservations in jobs and schools.
Reservations -: Reservations are a way to set aside a certain number of jobs or school seats for specific groups, like Scheduled Castes and Tribes, to help them get equal opportunities.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud -: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is the head judge of the Supreme Court of India. He leads the court in making important decisions.
Empirical data -: Empirical data means information that is based on real evidence or observations. It helps in making decisions based on facts.
Justice Bela M. Trivedi -: Justice Bela M. Trivedi is a judge in the Supreme Court of India. She had a different opinion from the majority in this case.
Homogenous class -: A homogenous class means a group that is considered the same without any divisions. Justice Trivedi believed Scheduled Castes should not be divided into smaller groups.
Punjab -: Punjab is a state in northern India. The Supreme Court’s decision will affect how reservations are given in this state too.
