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In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of state governments’ right to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) for the purpose of granting reservations. This decision overturns a previous verdict that prohibited such sub-categorization.
The top court’s seven-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, held that SCs are not a homogenous group and that there exist varying degrees of discrimination within the community. To address this disparity and ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most marginalized sections, states can now create sub-categories within the SC quota.
This decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for reservation policies across India. It acknowledges the complex social and economic realities faced by different groups within the SC community and aims to provide targeted support to those who are most disadvantaged.
While the court emphasized the need for empirical data to justify such sub-classifications, it has undoubtedly opened up new avenues for states to refine their reservation policies and promote greater inclusivity.
However, the judgment has also sparked debates and concerns about potential complexities in implementation and the overall efficacy of reservation systems.
