India:In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has officially implemented a reservation policy for the appointment and promotion of its employees from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This decision, which affects several key posts such as registrars, assistant librarians, and junior court assistants, marks a significant step in enhancing the representation of marginalized groups within the judiciary.
Formal Reservation Policy Introduced
The Supreme Court's recent move introduces a formal policy for the reservation of jobs for SCs and STs within the court’s internal administrative structure. On June 24, 2025, a circular was issued notifying employees of the new quota system. The decision includes a 15% reservation for SC employees and a 7.5% reservation for ST employees in promotions and appointments. This new policy aims to address the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in the country's highest judicial institution.
CJI Gavai’s Leadership on Affirmative Action
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai, a prominent figure from the Scheduled Caste community, has championed this reform during his tenure. He emphasized that the decision aligns with similar provisions already in place across other government institutions and high courts. As the second person from a Scheduled Caste background to hold the office of CJI, Gavai expressed that the judiciary’s internal policies should reflect the same principles of affirmative action that the court has long endorsed in its judgments.
Prominent Positions Affected
The new reservation policy will specifically impact posts such as registrar, assistant librarian, senior personal assistants, junior court assistants, and chamber attendants within the Supreme Court. These positions are crucial for the functioning of the judiciary, and the move aims to create a more inclusive work environment, ensuring better representation of marginalized groups in administrative roles.
The Circular and Its Implementation
According to the official circular released on June 24, 2025, the model reservation roster and register were uploaded on the Supreme Court’s internal network, Supnet. The circular also outlined the process for addressing any objections to the roster, with employees encouraged to report discrepancies to the Registrar (Recruitment). The policy officially came into effect on June 23, 2025, marking a historic moment in judicial reforms.
The Need for Judicial Reforms
This reform is seen as a response to the ongoing criticism of the judiciary’s lack of diversity, especially with regard to the representation of marginalized communities. Over the years, the judiciary has faced scrutiny for its low levels of inclusivity in terms of caste, gender, and regional representation. By introducing this policy, the Supreme Court is taking a concrete step toward addressing these issues.
Impact on the Future of Affirmative Action
The decision is also significant as it reinforces the Supreme Court’s role in promoting affirmative action not only in its judicial decisions but also in its internal policies. Critics of the policy argue that reservations in the judiciary may undermine merit-based appointments. However, supporters claim that such measures are essential for achieving true equality and fairness in the workplace, especially within an institution that plays a key role in upholding the country's laws and values.
