'Why Seek Quota If Both Parents Are IAS Officers?' Supreme Court's Big Remark On Reservation
'Why Seek Quota If Both Parents Are IAS Officers?' Supreme Court's Big Remark On Reservation Published By, Last Updated: May 22, 2026, 15:09 IST Supreme
'Why Seek Quota If Both Parents Are IAS Officers?' Supreme Court's Big Remark On Reservation Published By, Last Updated: May 22, 2026, 15:09 IST Supreme Court of India questions reservation for children of IAS parents, says educational and economic progress brings social mobility and advanced sections may be excluded Supreme Court of India (Credits: PTI Photo) The Supreme Court of India on Friday made significant observations on the issue of reservation and social mobility, questioning the continued demand for quota benefits by families that have already achieved educational and economic advancement. While hearing a matter concerning reservation benefits for the creamy layer among backward classes, the Supreme Court of India questioned the need for reservation for children whose parents are both IAS officers.
“If both parents are IAS officers, why seek reservation?" the court observed, stressing that educational and economic progress leads to social mobility. “With educational and economic empowerment, there is social mobility. So then again to seek reservation for the children, we will never get out of it. That is a matter we have to concern also," the bench said. The court further noted that several government orders already provide for the exclusion of such advanced sections from reservation benefits, but these exclusions are now being challenged. “Social mobility is there. Now there are Government orders excluding all these people, and they are questioning the exclusion. This also has to be kept in mind," the court observed. During the proceedings, the court questioned the continued demand for reservation benefits by families that have already achieved social and economic advancement through the quota system.
“The parents of students are in good jobs, getting good income, and the children want reservation again. See, they should get out of reservation," Justice Nagarathna observed. The bench also remarked that once families attain a certain level of educational and economic empowerment through reservation benefits, there must be a reassessment of eligibility for the next generation. “There has to be some balance. Socially and educationally backward, yes, but once the parents have attained a level because of taking advantage of reservation…" the judge observed during the hearing. The court also referred to the distinction between reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) and socially backward communities. “For EWS there is no social backwardness but only economic backwardness," Justice Nagarathna said.
The Supreme Court issued notice in the plea and sought responses from the concerned parties. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 22, 2026, 13:49 IST News india 'Why Seek Quota If Both Parents Are IAS Officers?' Supreme Court's Big Remark On Reservation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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