• UGI USER
  • Feb 10, 2024
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SUB-CLASSIFICATION AMONG SCHEDULED CASTES (SCS)

Why in the News?

  • Some states advocate for sub-classification among Scheduled Castes (SCs) to address underrepresentation of certain castes within the SC category.
  • The Supreme Court’s Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, reserved judgement on the matter.
Source: LiveLAw

Understanding the Issue:

  • In 2004, the Supreme Court ruled in ‘E.V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh’ that only the President could specify SC communities for reservation benefits, prohibiting state interference.
  • Punjab’s attempt to sub-classify SC reservations was struck down in 2006 and 2010 by the High Court.
  • In 2020, a Constitution Bench decided that the 2004 ruling required reconsideration, acknowledging disparities within SCs.
  • Proponents assert that sub-classification addresses unequal representation and aligns with Article 16(4) of the Constitution, emphasizing adequacy over equality.
About Article 16(4)

Article 16(4) of the Indian Constitution permits the state to provide reservations in public employment for socially and educationally backward classes, ensuring their adequate representation, without necessitating strict equality among different groups.