In Landmark Move, Supreme Court Introduces Policy of Reservation For Its Staff

New Delhi: In a first such initiative, the Supreme Court of India has introduced an official policy of reservation in the direct appointment and promotion for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) staff working in the apex court.

This landmark development took effect from June 23, 2025 and marks a very significant shift in the internal administration of the top court.

According to the new policy, the large number of posts (not including judges) wherein the policy of reservation will be applicable include registrars, senior personal assistants, assistant librarians, junior court assistants and chamber attendants. The model roster categorises all employees under three categories: SC, ST and unreserved, reported Hindustan Times.

“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 (Court’s internal email network) and it is made effective from June 23, 2025,” said a circular issued on June 24 to all employees and registrars of the Supreme Court.

The circular also invited objections from employees in case of inaccuracies in the roster or register and asked them to direct such representations to the Registrar (Recruitment).

'Endevaour sets the tone for a more socially responsive judiciary': CJI

The landmark policy shift has come in the tenure of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, who is the second person from a Scheduled Caste background to hold the post of CJI.

“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? 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,” CJI Gavai told the newspaper.

“I have always maintained that equality and representation are not competing ideals but complementary forces that drive India’s constitutional vision forward. Affirmative action is not an exception to equality but integral to its realisation. The endevaour sets the tone for a more socially responsive judiciary within its administrative remit,” he added.

According to the Supreme Court circular, SC employees will be entitled to a 15% quota and ST employees a 7.5% quota in promotions.

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