Normal life in several parts of Haryana faced potential disruption today as Dalit organizations and social activists launched a state-wide “Bandh” call. The protest is a direct reaction to the Supreme Court’s recent judgment granting states the power to create sub-categories within the existing SC/ST reservation framework.
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Core Grievances: Protesters, led by the SC/ST Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR), claim that sub-classification is a “divide and rule” tactic. They argue it undermines the constitutional spirit of reservation as established in the 1992 Indra Sawhney case.
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The “Creamy Layer” Conflict: A major flashpoint for the protest is the court’s suggestion to apply the “creamy layer” principle to SCs and STs. Activists contend that Dalit backwardness is rooted in social untouchability, not just economic status, and therefore cannot be compared to OBC classifications.
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Impact Across Districts: In districts like Rohtak, Jind, and Kaithal, protesters held peaceful marches and submitted memorandums to Deputy Commissioners. While many markets and schools remained open, some private educational institutions in Dalit-dominated areas chose to remain closed as a precaution.
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Security Measures: The Haryana Police deployed heavy reinforcements in sensitive areas to ensure the protest remained peaceful. No major incidents of violence or road blockades on national highways were reported during the morning hours.
Official Stance: The Central Government has previously clarified that it does not intend to implement the “creamy layer” in SC/ST reservations. However, protesters are demanding a constitutional amendment to put the reservation system in the Ninth Schedule, shielding it from further judicial review.
