Scheduled Castes
Article 341 — Scheduled Castes
State or Union territory, and where it is a State 2***, after consultation with
the Governor 1*** thereof], by public notification2, specify the castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within castes, races or tribes which shall for the purposes of this Constitution be deemed to be Scheduled Castes in relation to that State or Union territory, as the case may be. (2) Parliament may by law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Castes specified in a notification issued under clause (1) any caste, race or tribe or part of or group within any caste, race or tribe, but save as aforesaid a notification issued under the said clause shall not be varied by any subsequent notification.
Plain English Summary
This article gives the power to a State or the Union government to officially declare certain castes, races, or groups within those communities as 'Scheduled Castes' for the purpose of constitutional protection. Parliament also has the power to add or remove these groups from this list through a law.
Key Points
- A State or Union Territory can notify which castes or groups are considered Scheduled Castes in that area.
- This notification is done after consulting the Governor and is made public.
- Parliament has the authority to include or exclude any caste, race, or tribe from this list by law.
- Once a notification is issued, it generally cannot be changed by later notifications.
Why It Matters
This mechanism is crucial because it establishes a formal constitutional recognition for certain communities, allowing them access to special safeguards and benefits provided under the Constitution.
Landmark Judgements
No major landmark judgements.