The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, August 1, 2024: In a significant ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court decided that states can create sub-categories within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) groups. This means that states can allocate specific quotas for different sub-groups within these communities for jobs and educational opportunities.
The decision, made by a 6:1 majority, overturns a previous 2004 judgment from the EV Chinnaiah case, which had ruled against such sub-classification. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, included six different opinions on the matter. Justice Bela Trivedi was the only one who disagreed with the majority.
Chief Justice Chandrachud explained, “A majority of us has overruled EV Chinnaiah, and we hold that sub-classification is permitted. Members of SC/ST communities often face systemic discrimination that makes it difficult for them to progress.”
The court highlighted that historically, the depressed classes were not a single uniform group. The social conditions and challenges faced by these groups varied significantly. Chief Justice Chandrachud added, “The struggles that a class faces do not disappear with the representation it receives in lower grades.”
This ruling recognizes the different levels of backwardness within the SC/ST communities. By allowing sub-classification, the court aims to ensure that the most disadvantaged within these groups receive more targeted support and opportunities. This decision is seen as a step towards addressing the systemic discrimination and varied socio-economic challenges faced by different sections within the SC/ST communities, ensuring more equitable distribution of quota benefits.
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