Supreme Court Introduces Reservation for SCs and STs in Staff Appointments

In a historic step toward inclusion and equality, the Supreme Court of India has introduced a reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in its staff recruitment process.

This is the first time that India’s top court has formally adopted a reservation model for non-judicial staff positions. The change came into effect from June 23, 2025, through a circular issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court on June 24.

A Milestone During CJI BR Gavai’s Tenure:

The move is especially significant as it has been introduced during the tenure of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, the second CJI from the Scheduled Caste community in the history of the Supreme Court.

This landmark policy reflects a conscious effort to make the top court’s administrative structure more inclusive and representative of India’s social diversity.

What the Circular Says:

The official circular shared with court staff states:

“As per the directions of the Competent Authority, it is to notify for the information of all concerned that the Model Reservation Roster and Register has been uploaded on the Supnet and it is made effective from 23.06.2025."

It also invites court employees to report any errors or objections related to the roster:

“In case of objections/representations raised by any staff member about mistakes or inaccuracies in the roster or register, they may inform about the same to the Registrar (Recruitment).”

Reservation Details & Designations Covered:

As per the Model Reservation Roster, the following categories will benefit from reservation in Supreme Court recruitment:

• Scheduled Castes (SCs): 15%

• Scheduled Tribes (STs): 7.5%

  
  

These reservations apply to direct recruitment for various posts, including:

• Senior Personal Assistant

• Assistant Librarian

• Junior Court Assistant

• Junior Court Assistant cum Junior Programmer

• Junior Court Attendant

• Chamber Attendant (R)

  
  

Why This Matters:

This step by the Supreme Court sets a powerful precedent. While reservation policies have long been followed in government departments and public sector institutions, the Supreme Court itself had not applied them in its internal administrative staffing until now.

With this move, the judiciary shows its commitment to promoting social justice and equal opportunity—not just in its judgments, but in its own institutional practices.

Final Thoughts:

The introduction of reservations for SC/ST categories in Supreme Court staff recruitment marks a progressive shift toward a more inclusive legal system. It’s not just a policy change—it’s a message that the highest court in the land stands for equity, both in its rulings and its structure.

As the policy begins to take shape, all eyes will be on how it's implemented and whether it inspires similar changes in other judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.