Union Law Minister Accuses Opposition of Misinformation on SC/ST Reservation Ruling

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticizes the opposition for spreading misinformation on Supreme Court's recent judgement on SC/ST reservations and UPSC lateral entry ads. He praises PM Modi for withdrawing the ads, emphasizing efforts to support SC, ST, and OBC communities. Bharat Bandh protests continue nationwide.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Wednesday accused the opposition of spreading misinformation regarding the Supreme Court's recent judgement on sub-classification within reservation categories for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and on Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) lateral entry advertisements. Speaking about the Bharat Bandh called in response to the Supreme Court's recent ruling on reservations, Meghwal told ANI, "Opposition parties are spreading misinformation. They have also created controversy over the creamy layer issue and lateral entry."

Meghwal commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to withdraw UPSC lateral entry advertisements, stating that it underscored the PM's ongoing commitment to the interests of SC, ST, and OBC communities. "The advertisement for lateral entry was withdrawn till input of social justice comes. This means that Modi ji is continuously working for the interests of SC, ST, and OBC communities and will continue to do so in the future," Meghwal told ANI.

A nationwide strike, referred to as "Bharat Bandh," was held across the country in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST reservations. The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti announced the Bharat Bandh to protest against the SC's ruling on SC/ST reservations. The apex court, in a landmark ruling on August 1, determined that states have the authority to sub-classify SCs and STs and that adequacy of representation should be based on effective rather than quantitative measures.

The Supreme Court ruled by a majority judgement of 6:1 that sub-classification within SCs and STs reservation is permissible. Six separate opinions were delivered in the case. The UPSC recently issued a notification to recruit Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries through lateral entry. Following criticism, the Department of Personnel and Training requested the UPSC to cancel the advertisement. (ANI)