Lok Janshakti Party to Appeal Supreme Court Verdict on Sub-classification within SC/ST Reservation
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), a key ally of the ruling NDA government, has announced its intention to appeal against the Supreme Court's verdict allowing sub-classification within the reservation system for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Party leader Chirag Paswan expressed disagreement with the court's observation that there is no educational basis for Scheduled Castes, arguing that the primary basis for their classification has always been untouchability. He further contended that the concept of "creamy layer" cannot be applied to SCs due to the inherent nature of their social exclusion.
Paswan highlighted the continued prevalence of untouchability, citing instances of Dalit grooms being denied access to horses and educated SC individuals facing discrimination despite their socioeconomic status. He emphasized that reservation within reservation is not justified in this context.
The LJP (Ram Vilas) plans to file a plea for reconsideration in the Supreme Court, seeking a review of the judgement based on their concerns regarding the basis of SC classification and the applicability of the creamy layer concept.
The Supreme Court's verdict on August 1st, 2023, overturned a 2004 decision that restricted state governments from creating sub-categories within SCs for reservation purposes. The court's 6:1 decision, with Justice Bela Trivedi dissenting, stated that sub-classification does not violate the principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution. However, the court emphasized the need for quantifiable data and objective criteria to guide such sub-classification schemes, subject to judicial review.