Mayawati Opposes Supreme Court's Verdict on SC-ST Sub-Classification

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati has expressed strong opposition to the Supreme Court's recent verdict allowing states to make sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes. Speaking at a press conference, Mayawati urged the Court to reconsider its decision, arguing that it undermines the purpose of reservation meant to uplift SCs and STs.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on Sunday voiced her party's strong disapproval of the recent Supreme Court verdict that allows sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

'The sub-classification of people within SCs and STs has been permitted, but our party does not agree with it at all,' Mayawati declared at a press conference.

In what has been termed a landmark decision, the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that states have the constitutional power to create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes, who constitute a socially heterogeneous class, for the purpose of granting reservations to the most socially and educationally backward castes.

'The atrocities faced by SCs and STs occur as a group and this collective identity makes it wrong to create any sub-classification,' she argued.

Mayawati added that the party has appealed to the Supreme Court to reconsider the decision. 'Otherwise, if the reservation facility provided by Baba Saheb to uplift Dalits and tribals is abolished, it will become extremely difficult for many.' She said only about 10 or 11 percent of SCs and STs have become economically strong, leaving the remaining 90 percent in dire conditions. She warned that the verdict would leave behind the majority who need reservation the most.

Targeting the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, Mayawati said, 'The Centre and the BJP, who claim to support the SC-ST community, must advocate for them properly, yet they have failed to do so. The Congress has also shown a vague attitude on the matter.'

She called on the government to amend the Constitution in Parliament and include the current reservation umbrella under the Ninth Schedule. 'Parliament has the power to overturn the Supreme Court's decision,' she asserted, questioning the intentions of political parties regarding reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs. She deemed the court's judgment 'vague,' criticizing it for not setting any standard, potentially allowing states to dilute existing reservation benefits.

'The reservation for SCs and STs is based on addressing educational, social, and economic disparities,' she said, adding that social perspectives towards these communities have not changed, underscoring the need for continued reservations.