Indian Polity & Governance·Current Affairs 2026

Article 15(4) and 16(4) — Current Affairs 2026

Updated 5 Mar 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Article 15(4) and 16(4).

No recent current-affairs connections are available for this topic.

Background (2022–2023)

Earlier events that provide context for this topic.

Supreme Court upholds EWS reservation in NEET admissions

October 2022

The Supreme Court's validation of 10% EWS reservation in medical admissions relates directly to Articles 15(4) and 16(4) by expanding the scope of positive discrimination beyond traditional caste-based categories. This development challenges the conventional understanding of 'backward classes' and introduces economic criteria as a valid basis for reservation, potentially requiring reinterpretation of these constitutional provisions.

UPSC Angle: UPSC may test the constitutional validity of EWS reservations, their relationship with existing reservation policies, and whether economic backwardness alone can justify special provisions under Articles 15(4) and 16(4).

Karnataka implements internal reservation within SC category

March 2023

Karnataka's decision to provide internal reservation within the SC category for more marginalized sub-castes raises important questions about the scope and application of Articles 15(4) and 16(4). This policy challenges the traditional understanding of these articles as providing uniform benefits to entire categories and introduces the concept of gradations within reserved categories.

UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on the constitutional validity of sub-categorization within reserved categories, the principle of equality among SCs, and whether Articles 15(4) and 16(4) permit such internal differentiation.