Impact Of Caste-Based Census On Reservation Policy In India: A Legal Analysis In Light Of Recent Judicial Developments
- IJLLR Journal
- 3 hours ago
- 1 min read
Bhaskar Pandey, B.B.A. L.L.B. (hons.), Department of Law, School of Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow -226025, UP, India
ABSTRACT
The debate over a caste-based census in India is no longer peripheral—it sits at the core of contemporary social justice discourse. As the need for accurate demographic data becomes crucial for refining affirmative action policies, several states have initiated caste surveys, revealing significant intra-group disparities. This article explores the intersection of caste enumeration and constitutional reservation policy. It critically evaluates judicial developments, especially the contrasting positions in E.V. Chinnaiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh (2005) and State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (2024), and analyses state-level initiatives, especially in Karnataka and Telangana, toward internal sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs). The article ultimately argues for data-driven, equitable reservation reforms that align with the ideals of substantive equality under the Indian Constitution.
Keywords: Caste Census, Reservation Policy, Sub-Categorization, Davinder Singh Case, Chinnaiah Judgment, Social Justice, Karnataka, Telangana.
