New Delhi- The Supreme Court has decided to consider a very important question. The question is whether the 50% ceiling on reservations also applies to medical and educational institutions created specifically for Scheduled Castes (SCs) under the Special Component Plan (SCP).

This case stems from an Allahabad High Court decision that struck down 70% reservation for Scheduled Castes in four SCP medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh. The High Court, citing the limit set in the Indra Sawhney case (1992), termed this 70% reservation as unconstitutional.

Students affected by the High Court's decision approached the Supreme Court. A bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran has issued notices to the central and state governments, seeking their responses on the petition.

What is the complete issue?

The Special Component Plan (SCP) was launched in 1979 for the educational and social upliftment of backward classes, especially Scheduled Castes. Under this, separate hostels, scholarships, and even universities were established specifically for SC students.

Four medical colleges were built under this plan in Ambedkar Nagar, Kannauj, Jalaun, and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, where 70% of the seats were reserved for SC students. Funding for these colleges comes from a special central government scheme (DAPSC), which is meant solely for the welfare of the SC community.

What do the petitioners say

The petitioners argue that the High Court made a mistake. Their main point is that the Indra Sawhney case dealt with reservations in general institutions, not in institutions created specifically for the advancement of SC/STs. They warn that if the High Court's decision is upheld, the consequences will be severe:

1. It would endanger not only these four colleges in UP but also similar schemes running in states like Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

2. It could raise questions about special hostels, scholarships, and even central universities like Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) built for SC/ST students.

3. It would deal a blow to decades of affirmative action meant to uplift marginalized communities.

The Supreme Court's ruling on this matter will have far-reaching implications. If the Court upholds the High Court's decision, educational opportunities for students from backward classes could shrink. On the other hand, if the Court rules in favor of the petitioners, it would affirm that reservation exceeding 50% is constitutional in institutions created exclusively for disadvantaged groups. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court's next hearing.