Why in News?
The Supreme Court has asked the Union Government to submit a report on actions taken following its landmark 2024 Constitution Bench verdict allowing sub-classification within SC/ST categories for reservation.
SC/ST sub-classification:
SC/ST sub-classification is the process of dividing the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories into smaller sub-groups to ensure that reservation benefits reach the most disadvantaged communities within them
This concept, often called “quota within a quota,” was validated by a landmark 6:1 majority ruling of a seven-judge Supreme Court bench in August 2024 in the case of State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh
What is the Supreme Court Verdict (2024)?
A 7-judge Constitution Bench upheld the validity of sub-classification within SC/ST categories. It ruled that:
- SC/ST groups are not homogeneous.
- States can provide preferential treatment to the most backward sub-castes.
The judgment overturned the 2004 E.V. Chinnaiah case, which had disallowed such sub-classification.
Constitutional Provisions Involved:
Article 341 – Scheduled Castes
- Empowers the President to notify SCs for each State/UT.
- Done in consultation with the Governor.
- Parliament alone can modify the list (include/exclude groups).
Key Clarification by Supreme Court:
- Article 341 defines who is included in SC list.
- It does not prevent internal classification for reservation benefits.
- Sub-classification does not violate Article 14 (Right to Equality)