Lok Janshakti Party to Appeal Against Supreme Court Verdict on Sub-classification within SC/ST Reservation
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), a key ally in the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has announced its intention to appeal against the Supreme Court's verdict allowing sub-classification within the reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Party chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan expressed disagreement with the court's observation, arguing that the basis for Scheduled Caste classification has always been untouchability, not educational background. He emphasized that the concept of "creamy layer" does not apply to Scheduled Castes due to the inherent nature of untouchability.
Paswan cited instances of Dalit grooms being denied access to horses and educated Scheduled Caste individuals facing discrimination despite their socioeconomic status as evidence of persisting untouchability. He argued that reservation within reservation is not appropriate for Scheduled Castes and that the creamy layer concept is inapplicable due to the unique circumstances of untouchability.
The LJP (Ram Vilas) will file a plea for reconsideration in the Supreme Court, seeking a review of the judgement and a reaffirmation of the original basis for Scheduled Caste classification.
The Supreme Court's verdict on August 1st, 2023, permitting sub-classification within SC/ST reservation was a landmark decision. However, the LJP (Ram Vilas)'s opposition highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the implementation and interpretation of reservation policies in India.