New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has stated that it is up to the Parliament to decide on reforms in the reservation quota system, emphasizing that marginalized communities have benefited from reservations for the past 75 years.
A bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna and also comprising Justice A G Masih made this observation while hearing a plea related to the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) for reservation benefits. The plea referenced the August 1, 2024 ruling by a 7-judge Constitution Bench, which, by a 6:1 majority, upheld the sub-categorization of SCs based on identifiable and demonstrable data.
The Court remarked that the continuation and structure of reservation policies must be addressed through legislative processes. It highlighted that after decades of affirmative action, it may be necessary to review how reservation benefits are distributed to ensure they reach the most disadvantaged sections.
The bench stressed the importance of a data-driven approach in deciding reservation policies, suggesting that reforms should focus on providing equitable opportunities within marginalized communities.
This development comes amid ongoing debates over the effectiveness and fairness of the current reservation system and whether certain sections within SCs and other backward classes continue to remain underserved.
The case raises significant questions about the future of reservation policies in India, potentially prompting broader discussions in Parliament on quota reforms and social justice.
