Udaipur, January 11, 2025 - The Supreme Court gave a big ruling in August 2024.  Those in Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) who are financially or socially well-off (the "creamy layer") should not get reservation benefits. Within SC/ST groups, divide them into smaller categories so the most disadvantaged get better access to reservations.

However, the Supreme Court cannot force governments to act on this. It is up to the legislature (lawmakers) and the executive (government) to decide.

Why is there a problem?

1. Governments are reluctant: Many powerful groups within SC/ST communities oppose these changes because they fear losing their benefits.

2. Petition in Court: A person from Madhya Pradesh went to the Supreme Court and asked the court to force the government to follow its ruling.

What did the Supreme Court say?

The court said it had already shared its views and believed that people from SC/ST groups who have already benefited and are doing well in life should step aside so the truly needy can get reservation. The court clarified it is up to lawmakers and the government to make rules and policies.

Why does the Court think this is important?

Justice Gavai, one of the judges (and himself a Dalit), explained: People who are still socially and economically backward (like peons or sweepers) should keep getting reservation benefits. But those who have used reservations to reach high positions in life (like becoming officers or wealthy) don’t need them anymore. The idea is to ensure equality so that reservations truly help the needy and deserving.

The Supreme Court gave a clear ruling, but it is up to the government to create a policy to implement it. Without action from the government, nothing will change.

Source: Media Reports