SC upholds power of states to sub-classify SCs and STs, CM Siddaramaiah calls decision ‘historic one’

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 1 (ANI): After the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that states have the power to sub-classify Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs), Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed the decision "wholeheartedly" and called it a "historic one".
"The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the authority of state governments to identify and provide internal reservations for the most backward classes among the Scheduled Castes is a historic one. I wholeheartedly welcome this judgment," said Siddaramaiah.
"With the Supreme Court's verdict, a major obstacle in the implementation of internal reservations has been removed. We will consult with Scheduled Caste leaders and legal experts regarding the contentious aspects of the verdict, including the issue of the creamy layer, and take appropriate action," he added.
The Congress party is committed to providing internal reservations within the Scheduled Castes. Our government is committed to implementing the report of the committee chaired by Justice A.J. Sadashiva, which was created by the Congress party, as promised in our last assembly election manifesto, said Siddaramaiah in a post on X.
Meanwhile, before the last assembly election, the BJP government in the state hurriedly made a decision on internal reservations and sent it to the central government. Despite the Usha Mehra Committee, created by the central government, clearly stating that internal reservations within the Scheduled Castes could be implemented through a constitutional amendment, the central government failed to take any decision and has pushed it aside, he added.
In light of the current Supreme Court decision, the state government will thoroughly study the recommendations of the Justice A.J. Sadashiva Committee. If necessary, considering recent developments, a clear decision regarding internal reservations will be taken through consultation and negotiation. (ANI)