SC/ST Reservation in Supreme Court

SC/ST Reservation in Supreme Court

Why in News SC/ST Reservation in Supreme Court? 

The Supreme Court has recently implemented reservations for SC and ST candidates in its staff hiring for the first time. This move reflects a significant step toward inclusion and equality within the country’s top judicial institution.

Highlights of New SC/ST Reservation System in Supreme Court Recruitment

• Reservation Percentage: 

• The court will adopt a fixed percentage-based reservation system for new appointments. 

• As per the newly notified guidelines, 15% of vacancies will be reserved for Scheduled Castes, and 7.5% will be set aside for Scheduled Tribes. 

•  This scheme will begin with effect from June 23, 2025 via an internal administrative circular.

• Eligible Groups: 

• Applicants from SC and ST communities listed under Articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution will now qualify for reserved positions.

• Posts Covered: 

• The reservation system will apply to roles such as Registrars, Senior Personal Assistants, Junior Court Assistants, Junior Programmers, Assistant Librarians, Court Attendants, and Chamber Attendants.

• Implementation:

• • The Court has introduced a Model Reservation Roster and Register, uploaded on its internal network (“Supnet”) to track appointments and promotions.
  • The Supreme Court has introduced a 200-point model roster for staff recruitment based on reservations. 
    • This follows the DoPT’s Office Memorandum dated July 2, 1997, for direct recruitment and aligns with Rule 4A of the 1961 Service and Conduct Rules.
  • The court will follow a post-based classification method for each position, as directed in the 1995 R.K. Sabharwal case.
  • The Registrar (Recruitment) has been designated as the nodal officer for addressing grievance submissions related to roster inaccuracies.

Significance of SC/ST Reservations in Supreme Court Staff Recruitment

• Constitutional Morality: The Constitution ensures equal treatment and supports affirmative action through Articles 14, 15, and 16. These constitutional articles authorize the government to create special measures that support socially backward communities. By introducing reservations, the Court is respecting its spirit.  

• Social Transformation: When SC/ST individuals see themselves in public offices—particularly the judiciary—it strengthens their confidence in the system. This step can open up new employment avenues and inspire educated youth from marginalized communities.

• Public Trust: This administrative shift enhances transparency, fairness, and accountability. This decision reflects that the judiciary can examine its own practices and take steps toward meaningful change.

• Landmark Precedent: High Courts, tribunals, and subordinate courts often lag in representation of marginalized communities in administrative and support staff. The Supreme Court’s move might encourage them to adopt a similar path.

Historical Context of SC/ST Reservations in the Supreme Court

• In 1995, a five-judge Constitution Bench delivered a landmark verdict in R.K. Sabharwal vs State of Punjab. 
• The R.K. Sabharwal judgment clarified that reservation should be linked to the number of posts, not to the number of vacancies.
• The Court clarified that the total cadre strength must be considered, and specific posts within it must be earmarked for SC/ST categories.
• The Court held that reservations are not dynamic numbers that fluctuate with each retirement or promotion. 
• When a post is marked reserved, it must stay reserved, regardless of the employee’s retirement or exit.
• Another major clarification in the 1995 ruling was the separation of rosters for direct recruitment and promotions. The Court emphasized that both streams must maintain distinct tracking of reservations. 
• The recent July 2025 decision to apply SC/ST quotas in staff recruitment reflects alignment with the 1995 constitutional mandate.

SC/ST Reservations in India

• Articles 15(4) and 16(4) grant the government power to design schemes that benefit SC and ST communities.
• Article 46 also guides the government to focus on improving education and economic conditions of SCs and STs.
• Article 335 balances reservation with administrative efficiency. 
• The Reservation in Posts and Services is governed by the rules framed under Article 309. The Central Services (Reservation in Posts and Services) for SCs and STs Rules, 1997 define specific quotas: 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs in direct recruitment in central government jobs. 
• Laws like the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 provide additional protections to ensure dignity and representation in public institutions. 
• Articles 330 and 332 ensure SCs and STs have reserved seats in both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• The Scheduled Castes Order, 1950, and Scheduled Tribes Order, 1950, notified under Article 341 and 342 respectively, determine which communities are entitled to benefits. 
• Article 243D of the Constitution provides reservation for SCs and STs in local governing bodies such as Panchayats.

Way Ahead for Its Better Implications

• Inclusive Hiring Practices: The Supreme Court should apply the post-based reservation principle while making all future staff appointments. The court should create a centralized roster management system, updated in real time, to track reserved posts. 

• Professional Development: The Supreme Court should initiate training programs specifically aimed at capacity building for SC/ST employees. These initiatives can cover legal drafting, court procedure, case digitization, and administrative management.

• • • In 2023, a few High Courts introduced Judicial Support Training Programs, focusing on upskilling court staff. 

• Data Transparency: The Court is expected to maintain and disclose data on SC/ST representation through its yearly published reports. As of now, detailed caste-wise employee data is not publicly accessible, creating gaps in monitoring. Implementing a Reservation Monitoring Dashboard will allow real-time access to vacancy status, promotions, and representation data. 

The Department of Justice and the National Commissions for SCs and STs should jointly monitor implementation and compliance.