Rajasthan Minister Calls for Peaceful Bharat Bandh Amid SC/ST Reservation Protests

Rajasthan's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel urges a peaceful Bharat Bandh on August 21, following the Supreme Court's ruling on SC/ST reservations. Patel reassured that Rajasthan would adhere to the Supreme Court's and Central Government's decisions while ensuring public safety and order.

Rajasthan's Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Law Minister Jogaram Patel has appealed to the public for a peaceful 'Bharat Bandh' on August 21, in response to the Supreme Court's ruling on SC/ST reservations. Patel emphasized the importance of following legal decisions while maintaining order and safety.

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti had called for the Bharat Bandh to protest against the Supreme Court's verdict on the creamy layer and sub-classification within SC/ST reservations. This led to the closure of most markets and business establishments in Jaipur. Enhanced police and security arrangements were implemented at major intersections and markets to prevent any untoward incidents.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court held that states could sub-classify SCs and STs, allowing them to measure representation based on effectiveness rather than quantity. The seven-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, delivered a majority judgement of 6:1, overruling the previous decision in the EV Chinnaiah case. The bench included Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Bela M Trivedi, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra, and Satish Chandra Sharma, with Justice Bela M Trivedi dissenting against the majority opinion.

(With inputs from agencies.)