Economic conditions alone cannot be the basis of reserves: Supreme Court clarification

- OBC cream layer is determined on social, economic and other grounds

- Reversed the decision of Haryana government to give reservation in government jobs and education only on economic basis

New Delhi: Controversy is raging over reservations. In it, the Supreme Court has said that reservations cannot be given solely in view of the economic situation. That is, the Supreme Court refused to grant the reservation on economic grounds only. At the same time, the Haryana government was dealt a major blow by the Supreme Court.

The apex court had quashed the Haryana government's decision to give priority to those with an annual income of Rs 3 lakh for admission in government jobs and educational institutions. The orders issued by the Haryana government on August 15, 2016 and August 8, 2018 on the issue of OBC reservation have been revoked.

At the same time, the apex court clarified that reservations cannot be given only on economic grounds, Indra Sahni's judgment clarified that the creamy layer in the backward class would be identified on social, economic as well as other grounds. The basis of identity cannot be economic alone. The Haryana government has relied only on the economic situation to give the benefit of the reserve which is a big mistake and hence it is canceled.