The Supreme Court of India rules that it is permissible to suc-classify Scheduled Castes and Tribes. States can sub-classify SC/ST to define cramy layer for reservations. With a 6-1 majority, this decision by a seven-judge Constitution Bench marks a departure from the 2004 judgment in E.V. Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh. In 2004, the court held that SCs and STs are a homogeneous class that cannot be further divided.
However, 20 years later, seemingly, the reservation propagated sufficient social changes in Hindu society. Thus, Chief Justice Chandrachud, along with Justices B R Gavai, Vikram Nath, Pankaj Mithal, Satish Chandra Sharma, and Manoj Misra, emphasized that such sub-classification must be based on a “rational principle.” And the Bhagavad Gita was instrumental in allowing sub-classification in Scheduled Caste reservations.
How did the Bhagavad Gita Influence the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court invoked the principles of the Bhagavad Gita for guidance. And it cleared the path for sub-classification of Scheduled Castes for reservations. Drawing from the Gita’s teachings on Dharma and Karma, the Court emphasized the initial sectioning of Hindu society was not birth-based. Moreover, they observed that the Karma of the individual guides their Varna. Hence, the Indian constitution needs to approach reservation through the lens of rationality to prevent a nexus-like appropriation of reservation benefits.
This Gita-inspired approach would require the state governments to ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most disadvantaged sections within the SC community.
This ruling, guided by the Bhagavad Gita, underscores the importance of addressing historical inequalities and promoting genuine social equity. It aligns the modern legal frameworks with ancient wisdom to create a more just society.
The court’s ruling acknowledges the persistent inequalities within the SC community itself. And its ruling aims to ensure the weaker sections receive their rightful benefits. By viewing reservation through the prism of Dharma, the Supreme Court applies the timeless teachings of Bhagavad Gita to modern governance. Hence, this ruling seeks to address historical injustices and promote genuine social equity using Hindu ideology.
The Knitty-Gritty Of Supreme Court Ruling
The decision has sparked widespread reactions across the political and social spectrum. Some parties and individuals laude the ruling, viewing it as a significant step towards correcting historical imbalances. These groups state that sub-classification will help ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most marginalized and needy sections within the SC/ST community.
However, some others are angry that the ruling is anti-reservation. The ruling permits the state government to define which castes within SC/ST can be excluded as a creamy layer. This would allow a state-based on-grounds review to justify the exclusion of wealthy SC/ST from claiming reservation benefits.
Justice Gavai, a Dalit himself, likened the reservation situation in Bharat to that of passengers in a train compartment.
He states that reservations in Bharat have become like a train compartment where those who have secured their seats attempt to block others from entering it. This analogy underscores the need for fairness and equitable distribution of opportunities.
One reason – Meena tribe represents only 0.5% of ST community but on an average 50% Candidate belong from Meena Tribe Qualify UPSC Civil Services Examination on ST seats
अब आप अपना सेटमेंट वापस ले लीजिए🙏 pic.twitter.com/wDrXll16Z6
— Saurav singh (@Ecostudy) August 2, 2024
Justice Pankaj Mithal states that the execution of the reservation policy has increased catseism in the nation. Moreover, he suggests the need for more effective methods to uplift the most backward classes. The bench observed that the SC/ST is not a homogenous class, some cats in SC/ST do not break bread with their brethren. Moreover, the bench pointed out that the high dropout rates come from students of marginalized communities within the SC/ST communities. Thereby, indicating that the current system is unable to uplift those who need it most.
The Path Forward
While the netizens are divided on this Supreme Court ruling, please note that the reservation system in Bharat is not rolled back. The ruling asks the state governments to choose which, if any, sub castes have benefitted from the reservation system at the expense of others. The Supreme Court’s helped correct the narrative on the Bharat’s caste system. It quoted the Bhagavad Gita to clarify that the original idea of society was Karma-based, not birth-based.
The Gita emphasizes the welfare of all and the importance of ensuring that every individual, regardless of their Varna or social status, has the opportunity to thrive.
And Bharat needs to remember this teaching of the Gita to move in the right direction with this judgment. True social justice requires continuous effort and introspection by the Hindu community. By allowing sub-classification, SC/ST community can identify the weaker sections of society. And by allowing reservations to reach weaker sections, Bharat can pave the way for a future where “Caste” returns to its original “Varna” form! The idea of Bharat is a place where all citizens get respect and equal opportunity. And this ruling of the Supreme Court, based on the true essence of Sanatana Dharma. Therefore, it promotes unity and equality in a nation of over 120 crore Hindus.
Therefore, the Supreme Court’s decision is not just a legal milestone; it is a moral directive inspired by the Bhagavad Gita. It challenges the nation to rethink its approach to social justice and reservation. And it shows the Hindu community that reservation benefits do not reach those who need them the most. Hence, by understanding the need for and essence of this judgment, the SC/ST communities can ensure true social harmony and progress.