• UGI USER
  • Feb 09, 2024
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HETEROGENEITY OF SCHEDULED CASTES

Why in the News?

  • The seven-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, observed that Scheduled Castes (SCs) cannot be treated uniformly for reservation as some may have progressed while others remain underprivileged.

About the Issue:

Government’s Response:

  • Government’s Commitment to Reservation: The Centre assured the court of its commitment to the reservation policy.

Debate on Sub-classification: 

  • The Bench explored a different view from the 2004 E.V. Chinnaiah case, suggesting that sub-classification within SCs might not violate equality.
  • Chief Justice Chandrachud highlighted the heterogeneity among SCs based on social indicators and occupations.

Case of Tamil Nadu:

  • The Tamil Nadu Arunthathiyars (Special Reservation) Act aimed to provide preferential reservation for historically oppressed communities within the SC category.
  • However, Tamil Nadu government emphasized the need for the policy to evolve to prevent it from becoming obsolete.
About E.V. Chinnaiah case

In 2004,  E.V. Chinnaiah case, the Supreme Court held that Scheduled Castes (SCs) were a homogenous group, rejecting the possibility of sub-classification within the SC category for reservation purposes, citing concerns about equality.