Supreme Court Allows SC, ST Sub-Classification

BSP Chief Mayawati has expressed strong opposition to the Supreme Court's recent verdict allowing sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), arguing that it would create new issues and further marginalize already disadvantaged groups. She criticized the ruling for failing to set clear standards and claimed that only 10-11% of SCs and STs are economically strong, leaving the majority in dire conditions. Mayawati has called for the BJP government to amend the Constitution to overturn the decision, asserting that the ruling is indirectly aimed at ending reservations through the judiciary. She also accused the BJP and Congress of not adequately supporting the SC-ST community in this matter. The Supreme Court's decision, delivered by a seven-judge bench, overruled a 2004 verdict that did not permit sub-classification within these groups.