Chief Justice BR Gavai rewrites 75-year history; SC-ST reservation for Supreme Court employees

NEW DELHI: It has been decided to provide reservations for SC/ST categories in non-judicial appointments and promotions in the Supreme Court. Chief Justice BR Gavai, who has a Dalit background, took the step based on the Central Reservation Act. This marks a turning point in the 75-year history of the Supreme Court. A quota of 15 percent for Scheduled Castes and 7.5 percent for Scheduled Tribes has been fixed for appointments and promotions.

Although reservations have not been applied in the appointment of Supreme Court judges, the Scheduled Castes will have an opportunity to reach posts ranging from the highest rank of Registrar to the lowest level of Chamber Attendant. Posts like Senior Personal Assistant, Assistant Librarian, Junior Court Assistant will also come under this purview. When the reservation is fully implemented, there will be a minimum of 600 employees from the SC/ST category in the internal administration of the Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice sent an internal circular to all employees through e-mail on the 24th, stating that the reservation policy has come into effect from June 23. This came to the attention of the media today. BR Gavai then faced the media to inform the public of his position. Justice Gavai is retiring on November 23.

Registrar of Recruitment in charge of implementing reservation

1. The Registrar of Recruitment is in charge of inviting applications for vacancies and taking further action. The same applies to promotions. The final list and appointment file must be approved by the Chief Justice.
2. There will now be three categories in the model roster of employees - SC, ST, and unreserved. If there is any irregularity in the roster, employees can submit a petition to the Registrar of Recruitment to have it rectified.

Total Employees: 2577

Gazetted Officers: 334

Non-Gazetted Officers: 1117

Non-Clerical Employees: 1126

(As per latest figures)