Supreme Court: Separate Quota Possible For More Backward Castes Under SC/ST Reservation | ABP News

On August 1, the Supreme Court made a significant ruling regarding Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The seven-judge constitutional bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, ruled by a 6:1 majority that a separate quota can be provided for more backward castes within the SC/ST category. The bench acknowledged that sub-categories within SC/ST reservations can receive distinct allocations. This decision came in response to a 2010 Punjab High Court ruling that invalidated a law allocating half of the SC reservation to Valmiki and Majhabi Sikh castes. The Supreme Court's ruling addresses the need for further empowerment of highly disadvantaged sub-castes within SC/ST groups. The verdict aims to strengthen the support for these marginalized communities.