(NDTV)
A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court today okayed sub-classification within Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories to provide reservation in jobs and education for the more marginalised among backward communities.
The landmark verdict was passed by the bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud by a 6:1 majority, with Justice Bela Trivedi dissenting. Six separate judgments were written. The verdict overrules the 2004 judgment of a five-judge Constitution bench in the case of EV Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh. The other judges on the bench were Justice BR Gavai, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Pankaj Mithal, Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Satish Chandra Mishra.
During the hearing, the Centre had told the court that it in favour of sub-classification in the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories. The Chief Justice had observed that there was a distinction between “sub-classification” and “sub-categorisation” and held that states may have to sub-categorise reserved category communities to ensure that benefits reach more backward groups.
