Centre refuses to change caste-based reservation rules, cites historical, social, and economic backwardness

The Union Government has refused to modify India's caste-based reservation rules, maintaining that the existing system is rooted in historical, social, and economic backwardness, according to a recent filing to the Supreme Court. The government is opposing a petition seeking an income-based sub-quota within the reserved categories, specifically targeting economically-weaker individuals.

This petition, filed by Ramashankar Prajapati, sought to modify the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) groups. The Centre, through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, argued that the petition was "misconceived" as it attempted to enforce an executive policy decision through the courts.

The government insisted that reservations are based on historical, social, and educational backwardness, rather than mere economic status. It pointed to specific constitutional provisions, including Articles 341, 342, and 342A, which govern the SC, ST, and socially and educationally backward classes, respectively. The government maintained that any changes to these lists could only be made by the Parliament, not by the judiciary or executive.

The Centre also referred to the "creamy layer" principle, which excludes economically-advanced members from benefiting from OBC reservations. Additionally, the government highlighted the need for extensive empirical research and socio-economic data before implementing income-based reservation, which would require comprehensive studies on current beneficiaries.