Supreme Court Staff Quotas Introduced

SUPREME COURT INTRODUCES QUOTAS FOR COURT STAFF FOR THE FIRST TIME

Why in the News?

  • Historic move: From June 23, 2025, the Supreme Court introduced reservations in appointments and promotions for SC/ST staff.
  • First-time policy: Marks the first formal reservation policy within the apex court’s administrative framework.
  • Not for judges: The reservation excludes judges, covering only non-judicial posts.

Supreme Court Staff Quotas Introduced

Details of the Reservation Policy

  • Covered posts: Includes registrars, junior assistants, librarians, and chamber attendants.
  • Roster categories: Employees classified under SC, ST, and unreserved categories.
  • Alignment with others: Similar to reservation norms already followed in government institutions and high courts.

Significance and Institutional Reform

  • Affirmative action: Supreme Court aligns with its own judgments supporting social justice and fundamental rights.
  • Institutional parity: Reinforces the idea that principles of equity must apply within the judiciary itself.
  • CJI’s rationale: Chief Justice Gavai said actions of the Court must reflect its principles on equality and justice.

RESERVATION IN INDIA

● Constitutional basis: Provided under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) for socially and educationally backward classes.

● Mandated quotas: 15% for SCs, 7.5% for STs, and 27% for OBCs in public employment and education.

● Judicial role: SC has upheld affirmative action in cases like Indra Sawhney (1992) and Jarnail Singh (2018).

● Recent expansion: EWS quota (10%) introduced in 2019 via the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.