Nationwide Bharat Bandh on August 21: A Response to Supreme Court's SC/ST Sub-Classification Ruling

AUTHOR: Himani, Student, Dr Br Ambedkar University, karampura campus, Ba(law and politics)

Introduction

On the call of the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, a major shutdown has been called in the length and breadth of the nation on August 21, 2024. The judgment of the recent Supreme Court regarding sub-categorization among Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) has resulted in mass protests against the considered sub-quota within the categories for more backward groups. It became a controversy, and there was an uproar concerning the sub-quota in the said categories after the courts decided to uphold it.

The Supreme Court's Ruling

The Supreme Court's decision on the sub-classification of SCs and STs has revived a timeless issue in the Indian social and political context. Among other things, the court’s decision permits sub-quotas within the overall reservations for SCs and STs, in order to facilitate greater equitable distribution of benefits among different communities within each, especially to those deemed to be the more backward/marginalized. The proponents of the ruling contend that this addresses the inequitable distribution of benefits from reservations, with predominant groups of SCs or STs benefiting at the expense of others over the years. Unbelievably, the critics assert that sub-classification deteriorates the solidarity of SCs and STs and nullifies the initial purpose of reservations.

The Call for Bharat Bandh

In response to the ruling, the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, along with several political parties including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have called for a Bharat Bandh on August 21. The bandh is expected to be particularly impactful in states like Rajasthan, where the issue of reservation holds significant political and social weight. The organizers of the bandh argue that the Supreme Court's decision is a direct assault on the rights of SCs and STs and that it could lead to further marginalization of already vulnerable groups. They contend that the ruling disrupts the solidarity among these communities and may result in internal divisions that weaken their collective bargaining power.

Political and Social Reactions

The Bharat Bandh has seen backing from various political parties and social organizations. The BSP, under Mayawati, and the RJD, dependent on Tejashwi Yadav, publicly supported the bandh and argued that sub-classification could lead to injustices for many people in the SC and ST communities. Their parties and other supporters claim that the government and judiciary should strive to strengthen the existing reservation system rather than break it down. While some political groups have rallied behind the Supreme Court's decision, characterizing it as a progressive step toward improving reservations to ensure that benefits reach those in most need. The supporters of the Supreme Court decision believe that sub-classifying would help fix the imbalance in the reservation system where certain sub-groups have been left behind in the existing reservations.

Expected Impact and Future Implications

The Bharat Bandh is expected to disrupt daily life in several regions, particularly in Rajasthan, where the issue resonates strongly with the local population. Public transport, businesses, and educational institutions may be affected, with large-scale protests and rallies anticipated. Looking ahead, the Supreme Court's ruling and the response to it may have far-reaching implications for India's reservation policies. The controversy surrounding sub-classification is likely to spark further debates and legal challenges, potentially leading to more nuanced approaches to reservation in the future. Additionally, the political ramifications of the bandh could influence upcoming elections, particularly in states where caste-based politics play a crucial role.

Conclusion

The Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024, represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate over reservation policies in India. The Supreme Court's ruling on the sub-classification of SCs and STs has brought to the forefront issues of equity, justice, and the future of affirmative action in the country. As the nation braces for the bandh, the discourse around this ruling is likely to shape the socio-political landscape for years to come.