SC Introduces OBC Reservation In Its Staff Recruitment & Promotions For The First Time

In a landmark move, the Supreme Court has extended reservation benefits to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in its staffing process.

This marks the first time OBC candidates will receive reservations in appointments and promotions within the apex court.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud has approved the change by modifying earlier decisions under the court’s internal service rules.

The decision comes under Article 146(2) of the Constitution, which grants the CJI powers to regulate the court’s staff appointments.

The reservation policy will now apply to the direct recruitment and promotions of Supreme Court employees.

Previously, the court only provided reservation benefits to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

The revised notification, issued on July 3, replaces an earlier circular dated June 24.

It officially includes OBCs in the court’s reservation framework.

In addition, the policy also extends reservation benefits to persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen, and dependents of freedom fighters.

Eligible posts under this reservation policy include Senior Personal Assistant, Assistant Librarian, Junior Court Assistant, and Junior Court Attendant, among others.

The Supreme Court has also introduced a 200-point roster system for implementing SC and ST reservations in direct recruitment.

This 200-point system mirrors the one used in other central government departments.

The Union Government had earlier introduced this method through an order dated July 2, 1997.

CJI Gavai emphasised that the Supreme Court should not remain separate from practices followed by other public institutions.

He noted that most government bodies and High Courts already follow similar reservation policies.

With this decision, the Supreme Court has aligned itself with the broader constitutional principles of social justice and equal opportunity.

The move has been widely viewed as a progressive step towards inclusive representation within the country’s top judicial institution.

Also read: CJI BR Gavai Visits Alma Mater In Mumbai; Shares Emotional Moments With Students