Image Credits : The Indian Express
Thol. Thirumavalavan, the leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Member of Parliament has filed a review petition challenging the Supreme Court’s recent judgment that allows the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) for reservation benefits. The judgment, delivered in August 2024, has sparked a nationwide debate on its implications for social justice and the reservation system in India.
Thirumavalavan’s petition, filed on behalf of the VCK, argues that the Supreme Court’s decision undermines the unity and integrity of the Scheduled Castes as a single category. The petition claims that sub-classification could lead to fragmentation among SCs, pitting different groups against each other in the competition for limited resources. Thirumavalavan, a vocal advocate for Dalit rights, has expressed concern that this ruling could weaken the very foundation of the reservation system, which was designed to uplift historically marginalized communities.
The Supreme Court’s ruling permits states to categorize SCs into sub-groups based on their social and educational backwardness, allowing for a more targeted distribution of reservation benefits. Proponents argue that this approach could ensure that the most disadvantaged sub-castes within the SC category receive adequate support. However, opponents like Thirumavalavan fear that this could create a hierarchy within the SC community, exacerbating existing inequalities and diluting the overall impact of affirmative action policies.
Thirumavalavan in his petition emphasizes that the Constitution of India recognizes Scheduled Castes as a homogeneous group that has faced systemic discrimination for centuries. He argues that any attempt to divide this group into sub-categories would violate the principles of equality and social justice enshrined in the Constitution. The petition also raises concerns about the practical challenges of implementing sub-classification, such as determining the criteria for categorization and preventing misuse.
The VCK leader’s move has garnered support from various Dalit organizations and political leaders across the country, who share his apprehensions about the potential consequences of the Supreme Court’s judgment. Many fear that sub-classification could erode the solidarity among Dalits and undermine their collective struggle for equality and dignity.