MK Stalin Advocates For Judicial Reservation, Women’s Quota, & Caste Census At Social Justice Conference
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a powerful address at the third National Conference of the All-India Federation for Social Justice, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin called for the implementation of reservations in judicial appointments and reiterated his support for women’s reservations and a caste-based census. The event, which took place virtually on Thursday, brought together a host of prominent leaders, including Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, and others.
Stalin highlighted the importance of social justice and strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its resistance to these essential measures. He specifically urged the central government to expedite the caste-based census, calling it crucial for addressing the needs of marginalized communities. He also noted that Tamil Nadu’s legislative assembly had passed a resolution in June urging the Union government to begin the census.
Taking aim at the BJP’s approach to women’s reservations, Stalin slammed the government for putting the Women’s Reservation Bill on hold and for inserting clauses that would delay its implementation. He pointed out that the bill, which guarantees 33% representation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, would only come into effect after 2029 due to its linkage with the completion of the census and subsequent delimitation.
Stalin also criticized the economically weaker sections (EWS) quota, stating that while financial assistance for the poor is necessary, reservations should not be based solely on economic criteria, but on social backwardness. He voiced his opposition to extending reservation benefits to the general category, arguing that it undermines the principle of affirmative action for historically marginalized groups.
The conference saw participation from several other influential figures, including CPI General Secretary D. Raja, Congress leader BK Hariprasad, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, and former Bihar Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav. D. Raja emphasized the need for reservation in the private sector and judiciary, urging greater social and gender representation in these areas.
Speakers also condemned the BJP’s handling of social justice issues, with Sanjay Singh criticizing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comments on population growth. Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Farooq Abdullah warned against the divisive rhetoric being used in the country, stressing the importance of unity in strengthening India.
The event underscored the ongoing debate over reservation policies, the need for caste and gender representation in various sectors, and the growing concerns about the erosion of constitutional safeguards in India.
