In a historic step for judicial transparency, the Supreme Court has published full details of judge appointments to High Courts and the Supreme Court from November 2022 to May 2025, making the entire process public.
The Bombay High Court upheld the constitutionally recognized distinction in reservation criteria for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, dismissing a petition from Dharmendra Kumar, an OBC candidate. The court emphasized that SC/ST candidates are distinct from OBC candidates in terms of civil service examination attempts, affirming existing rules on reservations.
The Rajasthan High Court clarified that for an offence under the SC/ST Act, the insult or intimidation must occur publicly, witnessed by others. The court quashed previous cognizance orders, noting the absence of evidence for a public incident in the case filed by Prithvi Ram against Chhinder Singh, undermining the charges.
![[BREAKING] "Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes Permissible": SC (By 6:1 Majority) Overrules EV Chinnaiah](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-5.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Calcutta High Court has struck down the OBC reservations granted by the State of West Bengal between 2010 and 2012. A Division Bench of the High Court has also struck down two orders issued in 2010 and 2012 by the Government Of West Bengal Backward Classes Welfare Department sub-classifying 143 classes and some provisions of the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than SC and ST) (Reservation in Posts) Act of 2012.
Today, 18th April, The Gauhati High Court rejected Assam MP Naba Sarania’s appeal against the revocation of his Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, preventing him from contesting in ST-reserved constituencies. Sarania, representing the Kokrajhar (ST) constituency, challenged the decision by a State Level Scrutiny Committee, but the court dismissed his petition, upholding the committee’s decision.
The Manipur High Court reversed its decision to add the Meitei community to the Scheduled Tribe list, citing Supreme Court precedent. The controversial directive, which led to unrest and casualties, was removed following a review plea. The court emphasized the need to adhere to constitutional guidelines and consult tribal rights groups in such matters.
The Supreme Court’s seven-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has concluded its three-day hearing on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for more equitable reservations. The bench discussed the complexities of ensuring adequate representation for the most backward within these groups, potentially reshaping India’s social justice landscape.
The Kerala government submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, stating it had no plans to conduct a caste survey and emphasized the responsibility of the Central government in conducting such surveys. The government refuted allegations of intentional disobedience and highlighted the challenges in utilizing socio-economic data for policymaking. This case has significant implications for the identification and support of backward classes in Kerala.