Supreme Court Considering Request to Implement Caste-Based Economic Classification in Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Reservation Policies
The Supreme Court of India is currently examining a petition seeking the introduction of a "creamy layer"-style economic criterion within SC/ST reservations in the country. The petition, filed by Ramashankar Prajapati and others, aims to refine the reservation system to serve its intended purpose more effectively by introducing an income-based prioritization mechanism within SC/ST reservations [1][5].
The plea highlights concerns that reservation benefits have disproportionately accrued to relatively well-off members of SC/ST communities, while the poorest remain underserved [1][3]. The petition cites the 2024 Supreme Court Constitution Bench ruling in State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh, where Justice B.R. Gavai suggested the possibility of distinct criteria to exclude the "creamy layer" among SC/STs, analogous to how it functions for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) [1].
The petition calls for economic factors such as income, living standards, vocational status, and rural-urban differences to define exclusion from reservation benefits. It aims to implement an annual assessment mechanism to prevent economically stable individuals from continuing to benefit at the cost of the neediest [3].
The Union government’s official position remains that the creamy layer concept currently does not apply to SC/ST reservations and has previously reaffirmed this stance [1]. However, the Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre seeking its response and warned the petitioners that the topic is sensitive and likely to face opposition due to divergent views on reservation policies [2][5].
The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for October 10. The concept depends on the state's capacity to assess economic status within SC/ST communities. If implemented, the proposed two-tier reservation system within SC/ST categories would prioritize economically weaker individuals before extending benefits to those better placed [2][5].
The petition suggests that the political empowerment of SC/ST leaders has not necessarily translated into widespread socio-economic development for the entire community. The Supreme Court's decision to examine this plea indicates a potential re-evaluation of reservation policies to better target the most deprived within SC/ST communities.
The case is being actively heard, but as of August 2025, no final judgment or decision has been rendered. The Supreme Court is examining whether and how to introduce an economic criterion within SC/ST reservations to promote equitable distribution of benefits among these communities [1][2][5].
[1] The Indian Express, "Supreme Court to examine plea for creamy layer in SC/ST reservations", August 2025.
[2] Live Law, "Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on plea for creamy layer in SC/ST reservations", August 2025.
[3] The Hindu, "Petition seeks economic criteria for SC/ST reservations", August 2025.
[4] The Wire, "The Creamy Layer in SC/ST Reservations: What You Need to Know", August 2025.
[5] Bar & Bench, "Supreme Court to examine plea for creamy layer in SC/ST reservations", August 2025.
- The petition in question, aiming to refine the reservation system, proposes the introduction of an economic criterion similar to the "creamy layer" concept for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and suggests considering factors like income, living standards, and vocational status to define exclusion from reservation benefits within the SC/ST communities [1][3].
- Further, the petition alludes to the need for an annual assessment mechanism to prevent economically stable individuals from exploiting reservation benefits, thereby ensuring that the neediest are prioritized [3].
- This debate around the proposed implementation of an economic criterion within SC/ST reservations is part of a larger discourse encompassing various aspects like sports, education, opinion, health, policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news, highlighting the comprehensive socio-economic implications of reservation policies in India [2][5].
