• More Seema Laxman
• Dr. Hanumant T. Kurkute

ABSTRACT: This article provides a comprehensive examination of Tamil Nadu's reservation policy, highlighting its historical evolution, challenges, legal implications, and recent controversies. The focus is on the recent Constitutional Amendment Act of 2019, which guarantees 10% reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) within the unreserved category, and the subsequent opposition it faced in Tamil Nadu. The article delves into the constitutional and legal aspects surrounding the reservation policy, including the Supreme Court's stance on reservation limits and the importance of empirical evidence in justifying reservations. It also discusses the impact of Tamil Nadu's reservation policy on social justice, inclusivity, and human development indicators. Additionally, the article analyzes the representation of various communities in educational institutions and government services, highlighting persistent challenges and disparities. Furthermore, it explores the history of reservations in Tamil Nadu, including the recommendations of commissions and government initiatives aimed at addressing inequalities. The recent Supreme Court ruling invalidating Tamil Nadu's special reservation for the Vanniyar community is also examined, providing insights into the legal reasoning and implications of the decision. Overall, the article emphasizes the need for evidence-based policymaking and equitable treatment while upholding constitutional principles in reservation policies.

Keywords :- Tamil Nadu, Reservation policy, Constitutional Amendment Act of 2019, Economically weaker sections (EWS), Reservation cap, Supreme Court, Empirical evidence, Social justice, Inclusivity, Human development indicators, Educational institutions, Government services, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Muslims, Backward classes, Brahmin hegemony, Caste-based barriers, Sattanathan Commission, Most Backward Class, Creamy layer, Vanniyar community, Supreme Court ruling, Constitutional principles, Equitable treatment, Article 14, Article 16, Indra Sawhney case, Quantifiable data, MBCs (Most Backward Classes), DNCs (Denotified Communities), AIADMK, DMK, Madras High Court, Legislative assembly, Socio-educational status, Preferential treatment, Ultra vires.

""Examining Tamil Nadu's Reservation Policy: History, Challenges, and Legal Implications"", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no.h623-h628, March-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403782.pdf

""Examining Tamil Nadu's Reservation Policy: History, Challenges, and Legal Implications"", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no. pph623-h628, March-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403782.pdf