Legal Experts Mull Over Strategies To Challenge SC Verdict On SC Classification

A State-Level Judicial Conference held on Sunday at Krishi Bhavan, Guntur, saw strong condemnation of the recent Supreme Court verdict on the classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Legal experts and community leaders labelled the ruling as unconstitutional and called for public mobilization to challenge the decision.

• Speakers deliberate on challenging SC verdict

Andhra Pradesh – Telangana (Before It’s News – IC): The conference, presided over by Betala Sudarshan, President of the Bharatiya Buddhist Mahasabha and Samata Sanika Dal, featured a keynote address by Prof. Gali Vinod Kumar, Chairman of the South Indian Political Joint Action Committee. Prof. Kumar raised concerns over the Supreme Court’s August 1st judgment, emphasizing its “unconstitutional loopholes” and warning that it undermines the rights of SCs and STs. He argued that the verdict’s endorsement of the creamy layer concept is not only legally questionable but also contrary to the constitutional protections provided to marginalized communities.

• Call for government action and public mobilization

The speakers, including Bunga Sasibhushan Rao, a senior advocate and constitutional expert from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, and Dr. Maddu Ankaiah, National President of the Indian Labour Party, Dr. Dasari Chennakesavulu, State President of Global Republican Party, Bussa Ratna Prasad, Working President of SC ST Gazetted Officers Association and others, urged the state government to adhere strictly to the constitutional provisions rather than interpret the judgment to suit their preferences. They stressed the need for a comprehensive memorandum to be submitted to the government, highlighting the implications of the ruling.

• Advocacy for regional classification

The conference also saw a push for regional classification instead of caste-based classification within SC and ST communities. Prof. Kumar argued that this approach would ensure equitable justice for all members of these communities, similar to the zonal system established through constitutional amendments after the agitations in the united Andhra Pradesh.

• Freedom of expression and constitutional rights

Speakers reminded the public of their right to express dissent against the Supreme Court’s ruling, citing the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. They pointed out that Dr. B R Ambedkar had envisioned constitutional amendments as a means to protect the representation of SCs and STs, warning that the current judgment could undermine these rights.

• Unity against social divisions

The conference concluded with a call for unity among the Bahujan communities, who are perceived to be at risk of division due to the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. The speakers emphasized that the majority opinion in the judgment did not support the creamy layer concept, and enforcing it would be unconstitutional. They urged the public to prepare for statewide expressions of their views on the verdict and resist any attempts to divide the Bahujans.

The event, coordinated by P Chinababu and G Ratna Kumar, saw participation from leaders of various communities across Telangana, underscoring the widespread concern over the Supreme Court’s decision and its potential impact on social justice in India.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)