Supreme Court Upholds SC/ST Subclassification Power

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that states are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure that reservation benefits reach the most disadvantaged within these groups. The decision, passed by a 6:1 majority, calls for the exclusion of the 'creamy layer'—those who have advanced socio-economically—from availing these benefits. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized that sub-classifications must be based on empirical data and ensure factual, not just formal, equality. Justice B.R. Gavai, the only Dalit judge on the bench, argued that treating unequals equally would thwart the constitutional mandate of equality. The ruling has been lauded by various political leaders as a step towards achieving social justice, though Justice Bela Trivedi dissented, asserting that only Parliament has the power to alter the SC/ST lists.