CHENNAI: The trend of reservation seems to perpetuate the caste system endlessly, rather than wiping it away, rued Madras high court on Wednesday.
“Rather than the caste system being wiped away, the present trend seems to perpetuate it by endlessly extending a measure that was to remain only for a short duration to cover the infancy and, possibly, the adolescence of the republic. Though the life of a nation state may not be relatable to the human process of aging, but at over-70, it ought, probably, to be more mature,” said the HC bench.
The judges made the observation while dealing with reservation of medical seats under All India Quota category. The court disallowed 10% quota for economically weaker section among forward castes in MBBS admissions under the AIQ.
Before parting with the case, initiated by DMK, the bench said: “It may, however, be observed that the entire concept of reservation... may have been turned on its head by repeated amendments and the veritable reinvigoration of the caste system — and even extending it to denominations where it does not exist — instead of empowering citizens so that merit may ultimately decide matters.”
