A Supreme Court ruling from 2005 where it was determined that state legislatures cannot sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) for the purpose of reservations. This decision emphasized SCs as a homogeneous group, with the President’s exclusive authority under Article 341 to identify SCs.
What Was the Core Issue?
The case challenged an Andhra Pradesh law aimed at distributing reservation benefits more equitably among SC sub-castes, questioning the treatment of SCs as a single, undivided group.
What Was the Supreme Court’s Ruling?
The Court affirmed SCs as a homogeneous entity, denying states the power to create sub-categories within SCs for reservation purposes, citing the right to equality under Article 14.
Why is This Significant?
This ruling significantly impacted India’s reservation policy, sparking a debate over social justice and the distribution of benefits. It highlights the importance of viewing SCs as a unified group for reservations, setting a critical precedent for future legal and social policy considerations in India.
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