SC Ruling on Sub-Classification of SCs & STs
On 1st August, 2024, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment allowing the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for the purpose of reservation in educational institutions and public employment.
- This judgment, rendered by a seven-judge Constitution Bench in a 6:1 verdict, marks a significant shift from previous rulings and has wide-ranging implications for affirmative action policies in India.
Background
- 1975: The judgment traces its genesis to a Punjab government decision in 1975, in which the state government divided the state’s 25% reservation for Scheduled Castes into two categories: half for members of the Balmiki community ....