Image Credits-The Diplomat
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has ruled by a 6:1 majority that states have the authority to create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories for the purpose of reservations. This significant decision underscores the states’ ability to ensure equitable distribution of benefits among the most marginalized communities, provided such sub-classifications are backed by substantial evidence.
The Court’s ruling comes in response to a series of petitions challenging the states’ powers to sub-divide SC and ST categories. The judgment affirms that states can indeed make such sub-classifications, but it sets a critical condition: the basis for these sub-divisions must be justified by quantifiable and demonstrable data.
“The states have the constitutional authority to create sub-classifications within the SC and ST categories for reservation purposes. However, any such sub-classification must be supported by robust and verifiable data,” stated the majority opinion delivered by the Supreme Court bench.
The decision emphasizes the necessity for states to provide clear and substantial evidence to justify the creation of these sub-groups. This requirement ensures that the benefits of reservation policies reach the most disadvantaged sections within the SC and ST communities, preventing the more advanced groups within these categories from monopolizing the benefits.
The lone dissenting opinion argued against the creation of sub-classifications, emphasizing the potential for further fragmentation within already marginalized communities. However, the majority held that the move is essential to achieving true social justice and equality.
Legal experts have hailed the decision as a progressive step towards nuanced affirmative action policies. “This judgment recognizes the diverse socio-economic realities within the SC and ST categories and empowers states to address these disparities effectively,” said a constitutional law expert.
The ruling mandates states to undertake rigorous data collection and analysis to support any proposed sub-classifications. This process is expected to involve comprehensive socio-economic surveys and studies to ensure that the intended beneficiaries of reservation policies are accurately identified.