Religion-Based Reservation
Constitutional Bar
Article 15(1) prohibits discrimination by the State on grounds of religion. While Articles 15(4) and 16(4) allow special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, these provisions are premised on social backwardness, not religious identity alone. The Supreme Court has consistently held that reservations cannot be granted purely on the basis of religion.
- Article 15(3) permits special provisions for women and children.
- Article 15(4) permits special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes or for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The Supreme Court in T.M.A. Pai Foundation (2002) and subsequent cases has reinforced that social backwardness — not religious affiliation — is the constitutional test for reservation eligibility.
● Tracked since April 16, 2026 · last seen April 16, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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