Chirag Paswan, SC-ST Sub-Classification: BJP Ally Makes Major Declaration on Supreme Court’s Order

Mr. Paswan recently addressed the media regarding his party’s stance on the caste census and the classification of Scheduled Castes. He emphasized that the classification was based on untouchability, which was not mentioned in the Supreme Court’s order, and announced that his party will seek a review of the decision.

Regarding the caste census, Mr. Paswan expressed support for the enumeration but opposed making the findings public. He mentioned that his party would file a review petition in the Supreme Court, asserting that the basis for Scheduled Castes was rooted in untouchability, not financial or educational factors.

Mr. Paswan highlighted instances of untouchability that are still prevalent today and stressed that the concept of reservation within reservation cannot apply to Scheduled Castes. He also referred to the legacy of his father, a noted Dalit leader, and called for a reconsideration of the Supreme Court’s decision.

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) advocated against the Supreme Court’s decision on reservation in sub-categories for SC-ST categories. It urged the court to reconsider the decision to prevent discrimination and strengthen the SC-ST society.

The Supreme Court, in its majority judgment, permitted sub-classification of castes, acknowledging the systemic discrimination faced by SC/ST categories. The Centre also expressed support for sub-classification, emphasizing the need to address inequality within the reserved categories.

Mr. Paswan supported the idea of a caste census but stressed that the data should be used by the government for policy-making purposes and not made public.