A Constitution bench at India’s Supreme Court is deliberating on the constitutional validity of sub-classifying Scheduled Castes and Tribes for reservation benefits. The Central Government has expressed support for sub-categorization, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution. This pivotal issue has wide-ranging implications for social justice and could reshape India’s reservation policies.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, is examining the validity of the Punjab SC and BC (Reservation in Services) Act, 2006. The main focus is on sub-dividing Scheduled Castes for reservation benefits. Punjab government argues for the necessity of affirmative action to address centuries of suppression, emphasizing reservation as a tool for equality.