Why in News?
The Supreme Court has taken up a long-pending issue regarding the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of the Lambada community in Telangana. The matter has resurfaced due to a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by activists challenging the inclusion of the Lambada community in the Scheduled Tribes list for Telangana.
Background:
The Lambada community was included in the ST list for Telangana region through the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 1976. Since then, there has been continuous disagreement between Lambadas and other tribal communities.
From Exam point of view: Article 342 & SLP Explained
Special Leave Petition (SLP) β Article 136
- SLP is a special power of the Supreme Court.. It allows the Court to hear appeals against any judgment or order from any court or tribunal (except military courts).
- It is discretionary, meaning the Supreme Court may accept or reject it.
Article 342 β Scheduled Tribes
Clause (1): Presidential Power
The President can notify communities as Scheduled Tribes. This is done after consulting the Governor of the State.
Clause (2): Parliamentary Power
Only Parliament can include or exclude communities from the ST list. Once notified, the President cannot modify the list independently.
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/can-the-decades-old-constitutional-dispute-over-lambadas-scheduled-tribe-status-in-telangana-be-resolved: SC Hearing on Lambada ST Status in Telangana