Supreme  Court Delivers Historic Verdict on SC & ST Reservation: What is So Special About It?

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August 23, 2024

The Historic Judgement

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A seven-judge constitution bench, headed by the CJI DY Chandrachud, passed a verdict by a 6:1 majority, that the further sub-classification of SCs and STs can be permitted by the states to ensure the quota benefits those castes who actually suffer from societal exploitation.

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What Does This Mean?

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This verdict was a landmark one, because the apex court overruled its 2004 judgement in EV Chinnaiah VS Govt of Andhra Pradesh, in which it was held that SCs and STs are homogenous groups and hence, states cannot further sub-classify them to grant quota inside quota for more deprived sections of these groups.

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SCs and STs Protest; Call for Bharat Bandh

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National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) called for a nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ protest against this ruling. 

The body has made several demands, most prominent being that the Centre should reject the Supreme Court’s August 1 judgement, arguing it threatens the constitutional rights of SCs and STs.

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How Does The Verdict Affect The Current System

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This judgement by the SCI, which can be followed by the set-up of a creamy/non creamy layer system, makes sure that affluent sections of the SC and STs do not take advantage of the reservation system, a widespread practice.

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However, this could also lead to anti-reservation protests like in 2006, as the unreserved/general category has been demanding for merit-based systems in jobs and educational institutions.

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