Supreme Court Revisits Reservation Policy in Landmark Verdict

Justice Pankaj Mithal of the Supreme Court calls for a reassessment of the reservation policy citing a 1961 letter from Jawahar Lal Nehru, who criticized caste-based reservations. The Supreme Court ruled that states could sub-classify Scheduled Castes for more tailored quotas, while cautioning on the challenges and disruptions caused by reservation-related litigations and agitations.

The Supreme Court of India, in a pivotal ruling on Thursday, advocated for a fresh examination of the reservation policy. Justice Pankaj Mithal referenced a 1961 letter from Jawahar Lal Nehru, in which the former prime minister criticized the tendency to grant reservations and privileges based on caste.

Citing Nehru, Justice Mithal noted that reservations should prioritize economic conditions rather than caste, emphasizing that true upliftment comes from opportunities in good education, including technical training. The Supreme Court held that states possess the constitutional authority to sub-classify Scheduled Castes, recognized as a socially heterogeneous group, for more precise quota allocations.

However, Justice Mithal highlighted the extensive efforts by all state organs over the years to perfect the reservation process, acknowledging challenges such as prolonged litigations affecting government appointments and admissions. He pointed out past disruptions caused by both pro- and anti-reservation agitations, notably the widespread unrest during the 1990 anti-Mandal Commission protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)