Reservations and Equality
Despite reservations being perceived as a deviation from the principle of equality, they are essential for realizing the right to equality of opportunity.
Reservations serve as a means to empower marginalized communities and bridge the gap created by historical discrimination. Article 16(4) recognizes the importance of such affirmative action policies in promoting social justice and equality.
Class 11 Polity Chapter 1: Right to Equality
Consider two scenarios: one where a tea shop serves different cups to individuals based on their caste, and another where female newsreaders are barred from presenting news due to their age while their male counterparts face no such restriction.
These instances highlight clear cases of discrimination based on caste and gender, respectively. Such discrimination violates the fundamental right to equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution.