Today, India is witnessing a nationwide strike, or “Bharat Bandh,” called by a coalition of Dalit and Adivasi organizations in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling on Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) reservations. The strike, spearheaded by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, has garnered widespread support from various political parties and SC/ST advocacy groups.
Background: The Supreme Court Ruling
On August 1, 2024, a landmark decision by a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, ruled by a 6:1 majority that states could further sub-classify SCs and STs to ensure that more disadvantaged sub-groups within these communities receive prioritized reservations. The ruling permits states to exclude the “creamy layer”—those members of SC/ST communities who are relatively better off—from availing of reservation benefits, in an effort to ensure that reservations reach those who are most in need.
Reasons Behind the Bharat Bandh
The Supreme Court’s decision has sparked significant controversy, particularly among Dalit and Adivasi groups. The exclusion of the “creamy layer” from the SC/ST quota has been viewed by many as a threat to the constitutional rights of these communities. In response, the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) has released a list of demands, the most prominent of which is a call for the central government to reject the Supreme Court verdict.
NACDAOR and other organizations argue that the ruling undermines the principles of social justice enshrined in the Constitution and have called for new legislation to protect reservations for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). They demand that this legislation be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, which would shield it from judicial review.
Political Reactions and Support
The ruling has elicited a mixed response from political parties across the spectrum. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not issued an official statement on the verdict, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly assured BJP SC/ST MPs that no immediate action will be taken based on the court’s observations.
In contrast, opposition parties, particularly in Jharkhand, have thrown their weight behind the Bharat Bandh. The Congress party, along with allies such as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Left parties, have voiced their support for the strike. Jharkhand, which has a significant Adivasi population, is set to hold its assembly elections soon, and the SC/ST reservation issue is expected to play a crucial role in the political discourse.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has expressed support for the Supreme Court’s judgment but remains opposed to the introduction of a “creamy layer” within the SC and ST quota.
What to Expect During the Bharat Bandh
As the Bharat Bandh unfolds, several sectors across the country are expected to be affected. However, emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and medical facilities will continue to operate normally. There has been no official announcement regarding the closure of banks, government offices, or educational institutions, though disruptions are anticipated in some regions.
As the day progresses, the impact of the strike and the responses it elicits from various stakeholders will be closely watched.