Income can’t be sole criterion to determine OBC creamy layer: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India ruled that income alone cannot be the sole criteria for determining the 'creamy layer' among Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the country. This decision emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach in categorizing backward classes to ensure that all individuals within a community are treated equitably. The court highlighted that using income as the only measure could unfairly disadvantage certain segments of the same backward class, thereby violating the principle of treating equals as unequals. This ruling has significant implications for the reservation system in India, as it seeks to protect the rights of those who may be marginalized within the OBC category despite their economic status. The judgment reflects the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that affirmative action policies are just and fair, reinforcing the importance of rational justification in policy implementation. This ruling is expected to influence ongoing discussions about social justice and equality in India, particularly concerning the reservation framework for OBCs.