Early career and role in judiciary
Justice M.S. Janarathanan and His Legacy in Tamil Nadu’s Reservation History: Justice M.S. Janarathanan served as a judge in the Madras High Court from 1988 to 1998. His time on the bench was marked by decisions rooted in equality and access to justice. After retiring from the judiciary, his influence on Tamil Nadu’s social justice policies only deepened.
Chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission
From 2006 to 2015, he took charge as the Chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission. This period became significant for Tamil Nadu’s reservation landscape. He was instrumental in recommending reservation for Muslims, Christians, and Arunthathiyars, ensuring broader representation in public employment and education.
Arunthathiyar reservation and special quota
One of his key contributions came in 2008. A detailed report he submitted to the then DMK government highlighted that Arunthathiyar representation in Groups A, B, and C state services was severely lacking. This led to the introduction of a 3 percent exclusive reservation within the existing SC quota, specifically for the Arunthathiyar community.
The Arunthathiyars are a Dalit sub-caste in Tamil Nadu, and this special measure was considered pathbreaking. It demonstrated how data-based reports could influence targeted social justice.
Defense of 69 percent reservation policy
In 2010, the Supreme Court sought justification from Tamil Nadu for continuing with 69 percent reservation, which exceeds the 50 percent cap usually prescribed. Justice Janarathanan, then heading the commission, supported the state’s stance by drafting a report upholding the constitutional validity of Tamil Nadu Act 45 of 1994.
This act protects Tamil Nadu’s reservation policy under the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, making it immune to regular judicial review.
Vanniyar quota recommendation
In 2012, Janarathanan gave an opinion supporting 10.5 percent internal reservation for Vanniyars within the 20 percent Most Backward Classes (MBC) quota. While the AIADMK government implemented this recommendation nearly a decade later, the Supreme Court struck it down in 2022, citing lack of adequate justification.
Legacy and passing
Justice Janarathanan passed away after years of service dedicated to judicial reform and social equity. His legacy lies in shaping Tamil Nadu’s caste-based affirmative action through well-researched recommendations. His reports continue to influence policy debates even today.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Justice M.S. Janarathanan and His Legacy in Tamil Nadu’s Reservation History:
| Event | Details |
| Position held | Judge, Madras High Court (1988–1998) |
| Commission leadership | Chairman, State Backward Classes Commission (2006–2015) |
| Major reservation recommended | 3% quota for Arunthathiyars |
| Law defended | Tamil Nadu Act 45 of 1994 |
| Special quota opinion | 10.5% quota for Vanniyars within MBC |
| SC case mentioned | 69% reservation scrutiny (2010) |
| Community targeted by report | Muslims, Christians, Arunthathiyars |
| Report to DMK govt | Arunthathiyar underrepresentation report (2008) |
| Quota struck down | Vanniyar quota nullified by SC in 2022 |
