Mayawati opposes Supreme Court’s decision on sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes

In a significant political development, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has voiced strong opposition to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SCs). During a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati criticized the verdict for its perceived vagueness and lack of clear standards, expressing concerns over its potential negative impact on the SC and Scheduled Tribes (STs) communities.

Supreme Court Ruling Overview: On Thursday, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict stating that states have the constitutional authority to sub-classify SCs to provide targeted reservations for those who are socially and educationally more backward. The Court’s decision aimed to address the varying levels of disadvantage within the SCs and STs, acknowledging that these groups are socially heterogeneous.

Mayawati’s Opposition: Mayawati criticized the ruling, describing it as vague and detrimental. She argued that SCs and STs face discrimination and marginalization as a unified group, making any form of sub-classification unjust. “The atrocities faced by SCs and STs have been experienced collectively, and it would be inappropriate to impose sub-classifications within this group,” Mayawati stated.

Implications for SCs and STs: Mayawati expressed grave concerns about the future of the SC and ST communities if the new ruling is implemented. She highlighted that only a small percentage of these groups are economically secure, with the vast majority remaining in dire conditions. According to her, the ruling could exacerbate disparities and leave the majority of SCs and STs further behind.

Political Critique: Targeting both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, Mayawati accused these parties of failing to advocate effectively for the SC-ST community. She criticized their handling of the issue and urged the BJP to push for a constitutional amendment in Parliament to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision if they are genuinely committed to supporting SCs and STs.

Call for Constitutional Amendment: Mayawati called for a parliamentary amendment to the Constitution, suggesting that Parliament should have the authority to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision. She stressed that if the ruling parties do not act, it would signal a lack of genuine commitment to addressing the issues faced by SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

In conclusion, Mayawati’s response to the Supreme Court’s ruling underscores a significant political and social debate. Her criticism reflects broader concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of sub-classification measures, with potential implications for the reservation system in India.