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State to follow SC/ST sub categorisation guidelines: Min
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Jaipur: On August 1, 2024, a Supreme Court bench of seven judges ruled 6-1 that states have the authority to sub-categorize Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Tribes (STs), provided it is based on objective data and thorough analysis. This decision upholds a 2006 Punjab government order setting quotas for certain SC castes, overturning the 2004 Chinnazhya ruling which deemed such subcategorisation unconstitutional. The court emphasised that SCs & STs are not homogeneous groups, and sub-categorisation is constitutional to address varying socioeconomic conditions among them. The ruling acknowledged that some castes have advanced socially and educationally due to previous reservation benefits, leading to unequal distribution of benefits.
By allowing sub-categorisation, the SC aims for a fairer distribution of opportunities & resources, enhancing reservation system’s effectiveness. This landmark decision signifies a nuanced approach to addressing SC/ ST disparities.
