In a landmark administrative reform, the Supreme Court of India has officially implemented a reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in direct recruitment and promotions for its staff, for the first time in its 75-year history. This policy came into effect on June 23, 2025, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and social justice within the country’s highest judicial institution.
Not Applicable to Judges
It is important to clarify that this reservation policy does not apply to judges, but rather to court staff, including positions such as Registrar, Senior Private Secretary, Assistant Librarian, Junior Court Assistant, and Chamber Attendant. Under a model roster system, all employees are now categorized under three sections: SC, ST, and Unreserved.
Inspired by Existing Practices in High Courts
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, only the second person from an SC background to lead the apex court, said in an interview with Hindustan Times that it was inconsistent for the Supreme Court to exclude itself from a policy that is already prevalent in all government institutions and many High Courts.
“We have supported affirmative action in many landmark rulings. As an institution, we should reflect those values,” said the CJI. “Our actions must represent our principles.”
Circular Issued on June 24
A circular issued on June 24 informed all registrars and employees about the policy, noting that the model reservation roster and register were uploaded to the Court’s internal email network (Supnet) and came into force retroactively from June 23. Employees were also advised to report any discrepancies in the roster to the Registrar (Recruitment).
Promotion Quota Introduced
According to the model roster, SC employees will receive 15% and ST employees 7.5% reservation in promotions. This mirrors the central government’s policy for direct recruitment but is being applied to promotions in the Supreme Court for the first time, making it a pioneering move among top Indian institutions.
Historic Timing and Personal Connection
The reform comes during the tenure of CJI Gavai, who has experienced social marginalization firsthand. He emphasized that equality and representation are not contradictory, but rather mutually reinforcing principles of India’s constitutional framework. He called this initiative the beginning of a socially sensitive judiciary.
Long-Standing Debate on Reservation in Promotions
Reservation in promotions has been a complex legal issue for decades. In the 2006 M. Nagaraj vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court laid down strict conditions that made implementation difficult. While the Jarnail Singh vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta ruling in 2018 relaxed one such condition, the requirements for data on representation and administrative efficiency still remain. Additionally, the ruling introduced the concept of excluding the ‘creamy layer’ among SC/STs from reservation benefits.