Unable to bring SCs, STs at same level of merit as forward classes: Govt to SC

NEW DELHI: It is a “fact of life” that even after around 75 years those belonging to SC and ST have not been brought to the same level of merit as the forward classes, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Attorney General KK Venugopal told a bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao that it is “more difficult” for those belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to get a higher post in group A category of jobs and time has come when the apex court should give some “concrete basis” for SC, ST and OBCs to fill up vacancies.

The top court, which was hearing arguments on the issue relating to reservation in promotions to the employees belonging to SC and ST, said it finds from the data that representation is low in group A jobs and it is “not fair”. This was observed by the bench after ASG Balbir Singh, appearing for Centre,

referred to the data.

During the hearing, Venugopal said that in group A and B jobs, there is under representation while in group C and D, there is over representation. “Time has come for your lordships to give concrete basis for the SC, ST and OBC to fill up vacancies,” he said. The bench made clear that it is not dealing with the issue of OBCs and the issue relates to reservation in promotion to SCs and STs.

Unusual, senior lawyer argues from hospital

An unusual scene was witnessed in the court when a senior advocate argued matter relating to reservation in promotions to employees belonging to SC and ST, from a hospital. As soon as the senior advocate was seen on screen Justice Nageswara Rao inquired, “Before you start...how are you?”

The lawyer said, “I am grateful for your concern. I am much better. Coming to hospital has enabled me to identify the problem.”