A nationwide strike, or “Bharat Bandh,” is taking place across India in protest of a recent Supreme Court decision regarding SC/ST reservations. Organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, the bandh aims to oppose the ruling that allows sub-classification within SC/ST reservations.
In Bihar, Patna Police resorted to baton charges on protestors supporting the bandh. Similarly, in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, a lockdown-like atmosphere has emerged. SC/ST community members are working in groups to ensure the success of the shutdown, while the police remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents. A procession was held from Kote Gate to the collector’s office.
In Ranchi, Jharkhand, bandh supporters blocked roads at Harmu Chowk, Kathal Mode, and Chapu Toli Chowk, burning tyres as part of their protest. Meanwhile, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, large police forces were deployed. Joint Commissioner of Police, Shiv Hari Meena, confirmed that foot marches are being conducted to maintain law and order while minimizing inconvenience to the public.
Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary stated, “The Supreme Court had made a comment, and the Law Minister clarified it in Parliament. The Cabinet has also stated its position, so there’s nothing more to add.”
The protest stems from the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on August 1, which allowed states to sub-classify SCs and STs. The court ruled that the concerned authority must base representation on effectiveness rather than mere numbers. The ruling, decided by a 6:1 majority from a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, overruled a previous judgment that disallowed sub-classification. Justice Bela M Trivedi dissented, stating that sub-classification should not be permissible within SC/ST categories.
Justice BR Gavai suggested the creation of a policy to identify and exclude the “creamy layer” from affirmative action within SCs and STs. The decision has sparked widespread reactions, including today’s Bharat Bandh.