Supreme Court Greenlights State Power for SC Sub-Classification

The Supreme Court ruled that states can create sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes (SC) for reservation purposes, provided these are based on quantifiable data. A seven-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, overturned a 2014 verdict, asserting that SCs are not a homogeneous group and states can adjust quotas accordingly.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has empowered states to create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) for reservation purposes, given that such actions are grounded in quantifiable and demonstrable data. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud led the seven-judge bench that reached a 6-1 decision, challenging a previous 2014 verdict.

The court emphasized that states must base their sub-classifications on empirical evidence of social and educational backwardness and representation in government jobs, avoiding political expediency. The judgement clarified that SCs are socially heterogeneous, and the state can identify different degrees of backwardness to grant special provisions.

However, the ruling faced dissent from Justice Trivedi, who argued that only Parliament can alter the SC list. Despite this, the majority opinion underscored the necessity for states to collect data on the inadequacy of representation in services, ensuring transparency and judicial review of such decisions.