Supreme Court’s verdict on sub-classification of SCs and STs
Articles 341 and 342: It grants powers to the President to notify SC and ST lists and to Parliament to create these lists.
The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a significant verdict on the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Ruling: In a 6:1 majority decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states are permitted to create sub-classifications within the SC and ST categories.
Purpose: The aim is to ensure that the most disadvantaged groups within these categories receive more targeted benefits from affirmative action policies.
Historical Context: This ruling overturn the 2004 decision in E V Chinnaiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh, which held that the SC/ST list is a homogenous group that cannot be further divided.
Constitutional Basis: The court’s decision is based on the interpretation of Article 341 of the Constitution, which allows the President to specify the castes, races, or tribes to be included in the SC list.
State Actions: Following the verdict, states like Karnataka have announced plans to implement internal quotas for SCs and STs to ensure more equitable distribution of benefits.
