Key insights
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1
Context of Article 341
Article 341 of the Indian Constitution provides the President the authority to specify the castes, races, or tribes that are to be considered as Scheduled Castes in relation to a state or union territory.
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2
Judicial Interpretation
The Supreme Court emphasized that the primary objective of Article 341 is to give a constitutional identity to Scheduled Castes, enabling them to avail benefits and protections, and not to classify them as a single, homogenous group.
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3
Case Background
The clarification came during a case examining whether certain castes should be included in or excluded from the Scheduled Castes list. The court's interpretation will impact how these decisions are made in the future.
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4
Implications for Policy
This interpretation can influence how government policies are framed and implemented, particularly those related to affirmative action and social welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes.