Скачать или смотреть Reservation in Admission: Champakam Dorairajan vs. M.R. Balaji Case | Caste & Class Debate in India

​This video delves into the foundational legal history and critical debates surrounding Reservation in Admission to colleges and universities in India. We explore two landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped the policy of affirmative action.
​1. The Champakam Dorairajan Case (1951):
This pivotal case challenged the Madras government's communal G.O. (Government Order) that provided for caste-based reservation in state educational institutions. The Supreme Court's ruling declared the G.O. unconstitutional, leading directly to the First Amendment to the Indian Constitution, which introduced Clause (4) to Article 15. This amendment enabled the state to make special provisions for the advancement of any Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. This case shifted the legal landscape by empowering the state to legislate for backward classes.
​2. The M.R. Balaji Case (1963):
The M.R. Balaji and others vs. State of Mysore case is crucial for setting limits on reservation. The Mysore government's order providing 68% reservation was challenged. The Supreme Court, in its ruling, observed that while reservation is necessary, it cannot be excessive. It laid down the principle that reservation should generally not exceed 50%, famously stating that reservation provisions "must be subject to the overarching consideration of the interest of the community as a whole." The Court also clarified the meaning of 'backward classes,' stating that 'Caste' cannot be the sole or dominant test for determining social backwardness, and introduced the 'class' factor alongside caste.
​Key Debates Explored:
​The Caste vs. Class Debate: How the courts and the Constitution have grappled with using 'caste' (a social reality) and 'class' (an economic/educational measure) as the criteria for identifying beneficiaries.
​The Legality of Reservation: The evolution from the initial challenge to the constitutional validation and subsequent limitations imposed by the judiciary.
​The Principle of Merit vs. Social Justice: The ongoing balancing act between ensuring administrative efficiency (merit) and achieving substantive equality and social justice through affirmative action.
​This video is essential viewing for students of Law, Political Science, History, and anyone interested in understanding the complex policy of reservation in India. Don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insights into Indian Constitutional Law and Polity!