(A) Constitution of India , Art.14, Art.18— Doctrine of equality - Scope - Arts. 14-18 are to be understood in light of Articles contained in part IV of Constitution. (Per B.P. Jeevan Reddy, J. (for himself and on behalf of M.H. Kania, C.J.M.N. Venkatachaliah, A.M. Ahmadi, JJ.) (Para 4) (B) Constitution of India , Art.335, Art.341, Art.342— Schedule Caste and Scheduled Tribe - Claim in public employment - To be considered consistently with maintenance of efficiency - Similar consideration will also apply while considering claims of other Backward Classes and Other Weaker Sections. (Per B.P. Jeevan Reddy, J. (for himself and on behalf of M.H. Kania, C.J. and M.N. Venkatachaliah, A.M. Ahmadi, JJ.) (Para 8) (C) Constitution of India , Art.141— Stare decisis - Relevance and significance Certainty, consistency and continuity are highly desirable features in law - Decision that has stood test of time and has never been doubted - Has to be respected. (Per B.P. Jeevan Reddy, J. (for himself and on behalf of M.H. Kania, C.J. and M.N Venkatachaliah, A.M. Ahmadi, JJ.) Precedents - Law of long standing - To be respected.(Para26A) (Para 26A) ....