Supreme Court Rejects Petition: Scheduled Caste Inclusion Hurdle

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the inclusion of the Are-Katika (Khatik) community in the scheduled castes list nationwide. The court stated that such constitutional amendments fall under Parliament's jurisdiction. The discrepancy in community classification across states affects statutory status during inter-state marriages.

The Supreme Court declined on Friday to entertain a petition aiming to incorporate the Are-Katika (Khatik) community into the scheduled castes list throughout every state in the country. The bench, led by Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, questioned the validity of the plea, pointing to numerous prior rulings on similar issues that the court cannot alter.

Despite the petitioner's intentions to move the high court, the Supreme Court bench clarified that only Parliament holds the power to make such changes, emphasizing the established legal position. The court remarked on the significance of judicial precedent, referencing recent events in Manipur as a context for their decision.

The community, recognized as scheduled castes in states like Haryana, Delhi, and others, is listed under other backward classes (OBC) in remaining states. This causes legislative inconsistencies, especially affecting marital transitions, as noted in the plea. The bench ultimately permitted the petitioner to withdraw the plea, stressing the need for legislative rather than judicial intervention.