Image Source: thehindu.com
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has approved sub-classification within the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories to ensure that reservations benefit the most marginalized groups within these communities. The ruling, delivered by a seven-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, passed with a majority of 6:1. Justice Bela Trivedi was the sole dissenter.
This verdict overturns the 2004 ruling in the case of EV Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh, which had been decided by a five-judge bench. The current decision was supported by Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra, and Satish Chandra Mishra, alongside the Chief Justice.
The Centre had backed the sub-classification, arguing that it was crucial for ensuring that benefits intended for SC and ST communities reach those most in need, given the varying levels of marginalization within these groups. The judgment clarifies that “sub-classification” differs from “sub-categorisation,” with the former now permitted to address intra-community disparities more effectively.
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the importance of these measures, noting that SCs and STs are not a monolithic group and face diverse levels of systemic discrimination. Justice Gavai referenced Dr. BR Ambedkar’s historical advocacy for social democracy to complement political democracy, highlighting that the hardships and backwardness experienced by Scheduled Castes vary significantly.
However, Justice Trivedi dissented, criticizing the referral by a three-judge bench to a larger bench, which she argued undermined the principle of precedents by lacking adequate reasoning.
The ruling stipulates that any sub-classification must be supported by empirical data showing insufficient representation among the sub-groups, ensuring that reservation policies are accurately tailored to foster genuine equality among India’s backward communities.
