Supreme Court Allows Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes: CPI(M) Responds

The Supreme Court has ruled that sub-classification within Scheduled Castes for reservation purposes is permissible. CPI(M) praised the decision, urging both the central and state governments to take measures to ensure the inclusion of more backward sections of these communities.

The Supreme Court has resolved a 'longstanding contention' by ruling that sub-classification of Scheduled Castes is permissible, CPI(M) stated on Thursday.

A seven-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, held by a 6:1 majority that states can further sub-classify Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure reservation for more backward castes within these groups.

The verdict mandates that the basis of sub-classification must be supported by 'quantifiable and demonstrable data by the states, which cannot act on their whims.'

In a post on X, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury noted that the decision resolves a longstanding dispute. 'A 7-judge Supreme Court bench held that sub-classification of the Scheduled Castes is permissible. The SC also allowed separate quotas for more backward Scheduled Castes categories,' Yechury wrote.

'Governments, both Union and states, must now take all necessary measures to bring backward sections of the SCs into the fold of socially affirmative action, as directed by the SC,' he added.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) issued a statement urging governments to develop appropriate steps following the Court's directive. 'The State has to justify the sub-classification on the basis of empirical data regarding the inadequacy of representation of the sub-class,' the statement read.

'Governments must take necessary measures to ensure that backward sections within the SCs are provided with facilities to improve their conditions,' the party said.

'The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) calls upon the governments to work out appropriate steps to ensure that backward sections within the SCs are included in affirmative action,' it concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)