Supreme Court asks: Should 'creamy layer' get SC/ST reservation benefits?
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and all states to weigh in on whether wealthier or more privileged members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)—often called the "creamy layer"—should be excluded from getting reservation benefits in jobs and education.
This comes after a PIL argued that letting the creamy layer access these quotas goes against equality, since it allows already-advantaged people to benefit from opportunities meant for those who need them most.
Why does this matter?
This debate isn't just legal—it's about fairness.
The PIL points out that if top earners within SC/ST groups keep getting reserved seats in things like civil services, JEE, NEET, and CLAT, it could leave out those who are truly disadvantaged.
The case also draws on past court rulings and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's view that reservations should help uplift the most marginalized—not become a permanent advantage for a select few.
The outcome could shape how reservations work for millions of young Indians aiming for education and jobs.