Nationwide Bharat Bandh Called in Protest of Supreme Court’s SC/ST Reservation Ruling

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has announced a nationwide Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024, as a demonstration against the Supreme Court‘s recent ruling concerning reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Support for the bandh has been extended by various SC/ST groups in Rajasthan, with authorities emphasizing the importance of heightened security measures across all districts to prevent any possible unrest. DGP UR Sahoo stated that instructions have been conveyed to Superintendents of Police to ensure maintenance of law and order during the protests.

The Supreme Court’s decision has been a focal point of contention, permitting states to create sub-categories within SC and ST groups. The ruling aims to prioritize reservations for those who experience the most significant discrimination, sparking a widespread debate among social and political factions.

In response to the potential for violence during the Bharat Bandh, high-ranking police officials convened via video conferencing to discuss preparations, which included divisional commissioners and senior police officers. Officials are taking extensive measures to ensure public safety during these protests.

The Bharat Bandh has garnered significant support from numerous social and political organizations. Prominent opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, have expressed their solidarity with the protest against what they consider an unjust judicial decision.

Although there has been no official announcement concerning the closure of banks and government offices, the Rajasthan government has declared a holiday for students from Class 1 to Class 12 in light of the Bharat Bandh, resulting in the postponement of school exams.

Typically, schools, colleges, and petrol stations remain operational during such protests, with the exception of the state of Rajasthan, where holidays have been declared in specific areas, including Dausa, Jaipur, and Bharatpur. Notably, Mayawati of the Bahujan Samaj Party has publicly endorsed the Bharat Bandh, accusing both the BJP and Congress of working against the reservation system.

The recent ruling, which was decided by a seven-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, established that state governments are authorized to classify SCs and STs into sub-groups to ensure more effective allocation of reservations to those experiencing higher levels of discrimination.

The primary motive behind the Bharat Bandh is to challenge and demand the reversal of the Supreme Court’s decision, which critics argue undermines the fundamental principles of the reservation system.

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has appealed to all businesses to participate in the closure as a sign of protest. However, the actual impact on markets across the country remains uncertain, as there has been no formal communication from market associations regarding planned closures.

The strike is expected to disrupt some services, particularly public transportation. However, essential services, including emergency medical assistance, will continue to operate throughout the day.