SC upholds Tamil Nadu’s Arunthathiyar Quota Law

Context

On August 1, 2024, the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional validity of the Tamil Nadu Arunthathiyar Reservation Act, 2009, which provides preferential treatment to the Arunthathiyar community within the Scheduled Castes (SC) category. This landmark judgment has significant implications for social justice and reservation policies in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where caste dynamics play a crucial role in politics and governance.

Background of the Arunthathiyar Reservation Act

• The Arunthathiyar Reservation Act was enacted by the Tamil Nadu State Legislature to address the social and educational backwardness of the Arunthathiyar community, which is classified under the Scheduled Castes. 
• The Act reserves 16% of the seats allocated for SCs in educational institutions and government jobs specifically for Arunthathiyars. 
• This reservation aims to uplift a community that has historically faced marginalization and underrepresentation in various sectors.
• The Act defines the Arunthathiyar community to include several castes recognized under the SC category, such as Arunthathiyar, Chakkiliyan, Madari, Madiga, Pagadi, Thoti, and Adi Andhra. 
• The introduction of this reservation was a response to sustained demands from the Arunthathiyar community for greater representation and opportunities in education and employment.

Supreme Court’s Judgement

• The Supreme Court’s decision was delivered by a seven-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, with a majority ruling of 6:1. 
• The court affirmed that sub-categorization within the SCs is a constitutional necessity to achieve substantive equality. 
• The judgment emphasized that the principle of sub-classification is applicable when the social positions of different castes or groups within the SC category are not comparable.
• The court’s ruling addressed the critical question of whether states have the authority to sub-classify Scheduled Castes based on their social and educational status. 
• The judgment recognized that such classification is essential for ensuring that the benefits of reservation reach the most marginalized groups within the SC category.

Social Justice and Equity

• The Supreme Court’s ruling is seen as a significant step towards achieving social justice and equity for the Arunthathiyar community. 
• By upholding the reservation law, the court has reinforced the notion that affirmative action is necessary to address historical injustices faced by marginalized communities. 
• This decision is expected to empower the Arunthathiyars and provide them with better access to education and employment opportunities.

Challenges Ahead

• While the Supreme Court’s ruling is a victory for the Arunthathiyar community, challenges remain in the implementation of the reservation policy. 
• The state government must ensure that the benefits of the reservation reach the intended beneficiaries and that the community is adequately represented in educational institutions and government jobs.
• Moreover, the ruling may face challenges from other SC communities that may feel disadvantaged by the sub-classification. 
• It will be crucial for the Tamil Nadu government to manage these dynamics carefully to maintain social harmony and ensure that the reservation policy is effective in achieving its intended goals.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s upholding of the Tamil Nadu Arunthathiyar Reservation Act, 2009, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on caste-based reservations in India. By recognizing the need for sub-categorization within the Scheduled Castes, the court has reinforced the principles of social justice and equity. This ruling not only benefits the Arunthathiyar community but also sets a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.

As Tamil Nadu navigates the complexities of caste dynamics and reservation policies, the government must remain committed to ensuring that the benefits of affirmative action reach the most marginalised communities. The successful implementation of the Arunthathiyar quota law will be essential in fostering social upliftment and promoting inclusive development in the state.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Which of the following statements regarding the Tamil Nadu Arunthathiyar Reservation Act, 2009 is/are correct?

1. The Act provides 16% reservation for the Arunthathiyar community within the 18% quota for Scheduled Castes in educational institutions and government jobs in TamilNadu.
2. The Arunthathiyar community includes castes such as Arunthathiyar, Chakkiliyan, Madari, Madiga, Pagadi, Thoti, and Adi Andhra.
3. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Act in a 5:2 majority judgement.
4. The Act was introduced by the DMK government led by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in 2009.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1, 2 and 3 only

b) 1, 2 and 4 only

c) 2, 3 and 4 only

d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: “b”