Reservation Now Like a Train Journey, People Aboard Do Not Want Anyone Else On Board: Supreme Court

New Delhi:

India's Supreme Court made a critical remark during the hearing of a case on reservation in central government jobs and higher education. The court explained that the reservation policy has reached the stage of being like a train ride — when people are once inside, they do not wish anyone else to come in.

A Supreme Court bench was hearing petitions on requests by multiple communities to be placed under reserved categories like Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC).

The court further noted that the majority of groups are asking to be added to these categories in order to gain favors in jobs, schooling, and career promotion. However, groups already in the system resist the admission of new groups. "Everyone wants to board, but those on board close the door once they're aboard," the court added, comparing the situation to commuters pushing the train door after getting in.

The court also said while reservation is supposed to help the weaker sections of society, the system should not be abused or used as a tool of competition among groups. It suggested an equitable and balanced approach in finding out who deserves reservation.

The case is continuing, and the court is most likely to give further directions in the coming days.

This has again fueled debate on the equity, boundary, and future of the reservation policy in India.