OBC Creamy Layer Status Cannot be Determined on Parental Salary Alone: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that determining whether a candidate falls within the OBC creamy layer cannot be based solely on the income or salary of their parents.

The Bench of Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice R. Mahadevan observed while dismissing a batch of appeals filed by the Union government.

The Court clarified that the status, rank, and nature of the post held by the parents must also be considered when applying the creamy layer exclusion.

It emphasised that the original reservation policy relied primarily on social status and position, with income serving only as a supplementary factor in limited situations.

[UOI & Ors. v. Rohith Nathan & Ors.]