In Brief
The case challenges Haryana's 2016 notifications defining 'creamy layer' (financially advanced persons excluded from backward class reservation) based solely on income thresholds (Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 6 lakh). The Supreme Court held that determining 'creamy layer' on economic factors alone violates constitutional principles and prior court directions requiring multi-factor analysis (social, economic, and other relevant considerations). The Court quashed the 2016 notification as arbitrary, relying on Indra Sawhney-I precedent, and directed the State to reissue criteria within three months complying with established principles while protecting existing admissions.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.