In a landmark development, the Supreme Court of India has introduced reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in its administrative cadre, extending affirmative action benefits to non-judicial staff for the first time since its establishment in 1950. The policy, which applies to both direct recruitment and internal promotions, was announced on 1 July 2025 and is being hailed as a historic step toward greater inclusivity and equity within one of the country's most powerful institutions. This decision has been introduced under the leadership of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, who made history himself as the first Chief Justice from a Scheduled Caste background. His tenure has now been further marked by this significant reform, which many see as a long-overdue corrective to systemic underrepresentation in the higher judiciary’s administrative arm.

Historically, while reservations have been widely implemented in public sector employment across India—including lower courts and many government services—the Supreme Court had remained outside the purview of such policies for its internal staffing. The lack of reservations had long been a point of criticism from social justice advocates and constitutional scholars who argued that the judiciary, as a public institution funded by taxpayers, should be equally committed to the constitutional mandate of equality and affirmative representation. The new policy addresses this gap by formally recognizing that the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion must extend to all facets of judicial institutions—not just in judgments but in their internal structure as well.

The move is not merely symbolic; it has practical implications for improving the diversity of thought, experience, and background within the Supreme Court’s workforce. By enabling candidates from historically marginalized communities to access employment and advancement opportunities in one of India’s most prestigious institutions, the court is taking concrete steps to dismantle barriers that have persisted for generations. It is expected to foster a more representative and empathetic administrative environment, which could, in turn, influence the broader culture of the judiciary.

CJI Gavai’s leadership has been central to the realization of this policy. His unique perspective, shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to social justice, is reflected in this decision that reaffirms the judiciary’s moral and constitutional obligations. Observers have noted that this marks a rare moment when the highest court has turned the lens inward and taken a progressive step that not only upholds the spirit of the Constitution but also sets an example for other institutions. While the judiciary remains constitutionally independent in its functioning, this move underscores that independence need not come at the cost of accountability and social responsiveness.

Overall, the introduction of SC/ST reservation in the Supreme Court’s staffing policies marks a watershed moment in India’s pursuit of social justice. It signals a paradigm shift in how the judiciary perceives its role—not just as an arbiter of law, but as a living institution that must embody the values it is sworn to protect.