Day 11 : Master Class by Hon’ble Mr. Justice U.U LALIT on “From Constitutent Assembly to Constitutional Morality: The Jouney of Affirmative Actions in India.”

Event Date: 22nd November 2025

Event brief description

The Master Class, led by Justice U. U. Lalit, provided a highly engaging and meaningful platform for students to grasp the evolution of affirmative action within India's constitutional framework. Justice Lalit effectively demystified complex legal concepts, including landmark judgments and constitutional amendments. His detailed explanation of Articles 243-ZJ and 342A highlighted how constitutional provisions adapt to societal needs, while the discussion on Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation linked contemporary debates to foundational legal principles established in cases like Indra Sawhney and Janhit Abhiyan.

Furthermore, the session fostered a deeper understanding of the ongoing development within the reservation system. The dialogue on sub-classification, tracing its trajectory from the Chinnaiah Case to its reconsideration in Davinder Singh, prompted students to consider issues of fairness within reserved categories. The inclusion of the 106th Amendment, which introduced women's political reservation, illustrated the potential for affirmative action to expand and embrace new dimensions of representation.

A particularly resonant moment was Justice Lalit's reference to the case concerning the recruitment of visually impaired candidates in judicial services, which served as a powerful reminder of how constitutional principles directly translate into real-world opportunities for individuals.

Event Detailed Description

The ongoing Master Class on “From Constituent Assembly to Constitutional Morality: The Journey of Affirmative Actions in India”, organized by Galgotias University, is giving students a valuable opportunity to engage with the evolving constitutional landscape of affirmative action. The session, led by Hon’ble Mr. Justice U. U. Lalit, Former Chief Justice of India, is drawing a clear line from the founding debates of the Constitution to the contemporary policy and judicial questions shaping affirmative action today.

The event began with Justice Lalit explaining how the Constitution continues to adapt to India’s changing social realities. He highlighted the introduction of Article 243-ZJ through the 97th Amendment, which gave cooperative societies constitutional recognition. From there, he moved to the 102nd Amendment and the insertion of Article 342A, a provision that entrusted the President with the power to notify socially and educationally backward classes. He connected this change to the existing framework under Articles 341 and 342 for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, noting how the shift directly influences which authority determines backward-class status.

A significant portion of the Master Class focused on the debate around EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) reservation. Justice Lalit revisited the landmark Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022) case, which upheld the EWS quota created by the 103rd Amendment through Articles 15(6) and 16(6). He contrasted this development with the earlier Indra Sawhney (1992) judgment, where the Court had rejected purely economic criteria for reservation, affirming that social and educational disadvantage formed the core basis of affirmative action. By introducing the new constitutional clauses, Parliament created a separate pathway for economic criteria, prompting fresh discussions on the purpose and scope of reservations.

Justice Lalit also reflected on the two schools of thought surrounding EWS reservation. One sees it as a necessary measure for groups left out of traditional backward-class categories, while the other questions whether it dilutes the historical intent behind reservation. He shared his own views on how economic disadvantage can still be a legitimate ground for affirmative action, while reminding the audience that social hierarchies and systemic discrimination remain central concerns in Indian society.

The discussion then moved to the question of sub-classification within reserved categories. Justice Lalit explained the trajectory beginning with the Chinnaiah Case (2005), which held that Scheduled Castes form a single, homogeneous group that cannot be internally divided. He contrasted this with the later Davinder Singh Case, which reopened the space to consider sub-classification so that benefits could be distributed more equitably within the larger group.

He further highlighted the significance of the 106th Constitutional Amendment, which introduced Articles 330A and 332A to provide reservation for women in the House of the People and State Legislatures. Justice Lalit described this as a transformative step toward strengthening women’s political participation and ensuring more inclusive legislative bodies.

Toward the end of the session, Justice Lalit touched upon the recent In Re: Recruitment of Visually Impaired in Judicial Services case. He emphasized how the decision promoted equal opportunities for visually impaired candidates in judicial appointments, reinforcing the broader constitutional commitment to fairness and inclusivity.

Department Name –School of Law

Event Outcome 

The Master Class effectively bridged the gap between constitutional theory and contemporary issues, particularly concerning affirmative action. Justice U. U. Lalit's insightful explanations of complex amendments, such as Articles 243-ZJ, 342A, and the EWS reservation, were rendered easily accessible and contextualized within everyday social realities.

The session sparked critical thinking on fairness and representation through discussions on sub-classification, political reservation for women, and the rights of visually impaired candidates. Ultimately, the Master Class equipped students with enhanced clarity on core concepts, stimulated deeper questions, and fostered a greater appreciation for the Constitution's ongoing evolution to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of the populace.

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