In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has allowed the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) for the purpose of reservation benefits. This decision, delivered by a seven-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among the most disadvantaged sections of society.
The Ruling
The bench, in a 6:1 majority verdict, held that sub-classification within SCs and STs is permissible. This ruling overruled the earlier judgment in the E.V. Chinnaiah case, which had prohibited such sub-classification on the grounds that it would violate the principle of equality under Article 14 of the Constitution12. The court emphasized that Article 341 does not create a homogenous class among SCs and that sub-classification is necessary to ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most marginalized within these communities1.

Chief Justice’s Message
CJI Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud, who authored the majority opinion, highlighted the importance of this decision in addressing the disparities within the SC and ST categories. He noted that the ruling aims to rectify the historical injustices faced by the most disadvantaged groups within these communities. The Chief Justice underscored that the sub-classification would enable states to tailor their reservation policies more effectively, ensuring that the benefits are not monopolized by relatively better-off sections within the SC/ST categories13.
Implications of the Ruling
This landmark judgment empowers states to identify and exclude the “creamy layer” within SCs and STs from reservation benefits, a principle previously applied only to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). By doing so, the court aims to ensure that the most disadvantaged segments within these communities receive the intended benefits of affirmative action2.
The ruling has been met with mixed reactions. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step towards achieving true social justice, while critics fear it may lead to further fragmentation within the SC/ST categories. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court’s decision is a significant move towards addressing the inequalities that persist within India’s reservation system.

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