In a significant stride towards promoting social justice and inclusivity, the Supreme Court of India has formally adopted a reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in direct recruitment and promotions for non-judicial staff positions. This historic decision, effective from June 23, 2025, marks the first time that the apex court has integrated such affirmative action measures into its administrative framework, aligning itself with other public institutions and several High Courts across the country.
A circular issued to all Supreme Court staff on June 24, 2025, outlined the comprehensive implementation of the reservation policy:
Reservation Quotas: The policy mandates that 15% of posts will be reserved for SC candidates and 7.5% for ST candidates. These reservations are applicable exclusively to administrative and support staff roles, excluding judicial appointments.
Covered Positions: Key positions affected by this policy include Registrar, Senior Personal Assistant, Assistant Librarian, Junior Court Assistant, Junior Court Attendant, and Chamber Attendant, among others.
Chief Justice of India, Justice Gavai, known for his staunch advocacy of inclusivity, played a pivotal role in spearheading this reform. Emphasizing the court's commitment to upholding constitutional values of equality and social justice, CJI Gavai remarked, "If SC-ST reservations are integral to other government bodies and many High Courts, there is no reason for the Supreme Court to remain an exception."
To ensure transparency and accountability, the model reservation roster and register have been uploaded to the court’s internal digital platform, Supnet. This initiative enables employees to review the roster and promptly report any discrepancies to the Registrar for rectification, thereby fostering a culture of fairness and transparency in the recruitment process.
This progressive move by the Supreme Court has been lauded as a crucial step towards institutional equity within India’s judicial system. By aligning its employment practices with constitutional mandates for affirmative action, the apex court sets a precedent for equal opportunity and inclusivity at the highest echelons of India’s judiciary.
In conclusion, the implementation of SC-ST reservations for non-judicial staff positions in the Supreme Court represents a landmark decision aimed at fostering a more equitable and representative workforce. It underscores the court’s commitment to realizing the principles of social justice embedded in India’s constitutional framework, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive society.
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