In a landmark ruling on August 1, the Supreme Court mandated that states identify and exclude the ‘creamy layer’ within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) from quota benefits. The Court also ruled that sub-classification within SC and ST reservations is permissible, overturning the previous EV Chinnaiah ruling that SC/STs are “homogeneous classes.” The seven-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud, defined the ‘creamy layer’ as economically and socially advanced individuals within reserved categories. This ruling aims to refine affirmative action policies to benefit those genuinely in need while promoting equality.
According to media reports, Justice BR Gavai emphasized that state governments must identify these groups to ensure equitable affirmative action. Justice Gavai noted that the criteria for identifying the creamy layer among SCs/STs should differ from those used for Other Backward Castes (OBCs). Justice Pankaj Mithal added that reservations for SCs and STs should be limited to the first generation.
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According to media reports, Justice BR Gavai emphasized that state governments must identify these groups to ensure equitable affirmative action. Justice Gavai noted that the criteria for identifying the creamy layer among SCs/STs should differ from those used for Other Backward Castes (OBCs). Justice Pankaj Mithal added that reservations for SCs and STs should be limited to the first generation.
The post appeared first on .