Supreme Court Allows SC/ST Sub-Classifications

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) is permissible, allowing state governments to create sub-categories to ensure that reservations in jobs and education reach the most marginalized groups. The decision, passed by a 6:1 majority, overturns the 2004 EV Chinnaiah case which had previously prohibited such sub-classification. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who led the bench, emphasized that SC/ST categories are not homogeneous and that sub-classification does not violate Article 14 of the Constitution. Justice Bela Trivedi was the sole dissenter. The court underscored that sub-classification must be based on empirical data and cannot be arbitrary. This landmark ruling aims to address systemic discrimination and ensure social democracy as envisioned by Dr. BR Ambedkar.