Supreme Court introduces SC ST reservation in staff recruitment

The Supreme Court of India has introduced a reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in its staff recruitment and promotion. The Supreme Court announced this decision through an internal circular on June 24, 2025. This is the first time such a policy has been implemented in Supreme Court. The Model Reservation Roster and Register came into effect on June 23, 2025.

The new reservation policy provides a 15% quota for SC employees and a 7.5% quota for ST employees in direct appointments and promotions. The roles covered under this policy include registrars, senior personal assistants, assistant librarians, junior court assistants, and chamber attendants. In case of any errors in the roster, staff members can raise objections directly to the Registrar (Recruitment).

The reservation policy has been introduced during the tenure of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, who is only the second SC community member to hold the position.

“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…Our actions must reflect our principles,” CJI Gavai told.

Download SC/ST Reservation Rules by DOPT