Supreme Court Upholds State Powers for SC Sub-classification

The Supreme Court dismissed review pleas challenging its prior judgment allowing states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes for reservations. The court emphasized that sub-classifications should be based on data, not political motives. Justice Trivedi dissented, asserting only Parliament has the power to alter the SC list.

The Supreme Court of India has rejected petitions seeking a review of its decision that allows states to create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes for reservation purposes.

The seven-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, concluded there was no substantial error in the existing judgment, thus denying the review in open court. The ruling continues to empower states to sub-classify SCs for reservation, provided it is data-driven and not politically motivated.

Justice Bela Trivedi, the lone dissenting judge, maintained that only the Parliament possesses the authority to modify the SC list, reiterating her position that SCs are a homogeneous group.

(With inputs from agencies.)