Equality ka matlab har vyakti ko bilkul same treat karna nahi; kabhi-kabhi equitable treatment ke liye different treatment necessary hota hai. Isi logic se reservation policies ko constitutional framework me justify kiya jata hai – specially historically disadvantaged communities ke liye.
Constitutional courts normally yeh check karte hain:
- Kya reservation ka base reasonable classification pe hai – jaise social backwardness, inadequate representation?
- Kya policy ka aim clear hai – level playing field create karna, representation improve karna, diversity ensure karna?
- Kya quota proportionate hai – itna high nahi ki merit pura sideline ho jaye, itna low nahi ki symbolic gesture ban ke reh jaye?
Time-bound review bhi important hai. Jo measure originally justified tha, wo decades baad bhi same form me required hai ya nahi, ispe debate hoti rehti hai. Courts kahi-kahi creamy layer jaise concepts introduce karte hain taaki benefits sabse privileged segment me hi concentrate na ho jaye.
Criticism yeh hota hai ki reservation permanent dependency ya resentment create kar sakta hai. Supporters kehte hain bina structural correctives ke “formal equality” sirf paper pe rahegi. Truth dono ke beech kahin hai, aur isi tension ne is issue ko legally aur politically always live rakha hai.