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 of the NDA government, 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 leader Chirag Paswan expressed disagreement with the court's observation that there is no educational basis for Scheduled Castes, emphasizing that the primary basis for their classification has always been untouchability. He argued that the concept of a creamy layer within Scheduled Castes is not applicable due to the inherent discrimination they face.
Paswan highlighted the continued prevalence of untouchability, citing instances of Dalit grooms being prevented from riding horses and educated Scheduled Caste individuals facing discrimination despite their socioeconomic status. He believes that reservation within reservation is not the right approach and that the Supreme Court's verdict needs to be reviewed.
The Supreme Court's 6:1 verdict on August 1st overturned a 2004 decision that restricted state governments from creating sub-categories within SCs for reservation purposes. The court clarified that any such subclassification must be supported by quantifiable and demonstrable data provided by the states, emphasizing the need for objective criteria and judicial review.
While the verdict allows for greater inclusion of marginalized groups within SCs and STs, the Lok Janshakti Party's appeal reflects concerns about the implementation and potential impact of this sub-classification. The party's stance highlights the ongoing debate surrounding reservation policies and the need for a nuanced approach that addresses the specific needs of different communities within the broader categories of SCs and STs.