Indian Supreme Court opens to 'quotas' for court staff

India’s highest court will have reserved positions for Dalits and other disadvantaged groups, except for justices. “The Supreme Court has delivered several landmark judgments on affirmative action, it had to apply it,” said Chief Justice Gavai, a Dalit.

New Delhi (AsiaNews/Agencies) – For the first time in its history, the Supreme Court of India has formally introduced a policy of reserved seats for Dalits and other disadvantaged groups (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).

The measure, which came into effect on 23 June 2025, represents a historic change in the internal business of India’s highest court, traditionally deemed conservative within its own institutional structures.

Reservations do not apply to justices, but to a wide range of posts, including registrars (registry administrative officers), senior personal assistants, assistant librarians, junior court assistants and chamber attendants.

This major change comes under Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the second Dalit appointed to the Supreme Court in India’s history.

The fact that this took place under his leadership lends symbolic and substantive value to the measure, especially in a justice system often criticised for the underrepresentation of marginalised groups both inside and outside the courtroom.

“All government institutions and many high courts already have provisions for reservation for SCs and STs. So, why should the Supreme Court be an exception?,” Justice Gavai asked.

“The Supreme Court has delivered several landmark judgments on affirmative action, and as an institution, it had to apply it. Our actions must reflect our principles,” he explained.

• india
• supreme court
• affirmative action
• reserved positions
• dalits
• scheduled tribes
• castes