GK Question

polity hard mcq

In State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (January 2024), the Supreme Court upheld the power of States to create sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes reservation. This judgment overruled which earlier precedent?

  1. Indra Sawhney case (1992)
  2. E.V. Chinnaiah case (2004)
  3. M. Nagaraj case (2006)
  4. Jarnail Singh case (2018)

Answer: E.V. Chinnaiah case (2004)

Davinder Singh case (January 2024): 7-judge Constitution Bench (6:1) overruled E.V. Chinnaiah (2004) which held States cannot sub-classify SCs as it would violate Article 14. New holding: (a) States can create sub-classifications within SC/ST reservations to ensure equitable distribution among more/less backward communities, (b) Classification must be based on quantifiable data showing backwardness, inadequacy of representation, (c) Does not violate Article 14 if rational and based on intelligible differentia. Enables States to address intra-group inequalities; significant for affirmative action policy evolution.

Topic Sub-classification within SCs - Davinder Singh Case
Exam Relevance Reservation policy evolution critical for UPSC Mains and advanced SSC exams
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