UPSC IAS: Why do SC, ST people have unlimited opportunities in UPSC, the court rejected it giving this argument

The provision of reservation for SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) candidates in competitive examinations like UPSC is given under Article 16 (4) of the Constitution. This reservation is to provide equal opportunities to socially and educationally backward classes. However, in some cases it was questioned whether SC/ST candidates should be given unlimited attempts.

The Indian judiciary has taken a clear stand on this issue. The Supreme Court has said in several cases that the purpose of reservation is to ensure social justice and equality, but this provision is not to give unlimited opportunities. The court has argued that:

Balance of merit and efficiency: The court has said that it is important to maintain merit and efficiency in government jobs. Giving unlimited opportunities may reduce the level of competition, which may affect the quality of administrative services.

Purpose of reservation: The main purpose of reservation is to provide equal opportunities to backward classes, not to give them an advantage over other classes. Giving unlimited opportunities may upset this balance.

Constitutional Limitations: The Constitution provides for reservation, but it does not allow unlimited opportunities. The Court has said that there should be limits on reservation so that the system remains equitable.

Aim to remove backwardness: The aim of reservation is to remove backwardness, not to make it permanent. This aim may be affected by giving unlimited opportunities.

Thus, the Court has rejected the case of giving unlimited opportunities to SC/ST candidates and made it clear that the aim of reservation is social justice and equality, and not to give undue advantage to any one class.