In Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), the Supreme Court upheld reservation for OBCs but introduced which concept to exclude advanced sections within OBCs?
- Poverty line
- Creamy layer
- Income ceiling
- Educational qualification
Answer: Creamy layer
Indra Sawhney (Mandal Case, 1992): 9-judge bench upheld 27% reservation for OBCs but: (a) Excluded 'creamy layer' (advanced sections) within OBCs, (b) Capped total reservation at 50% (with exceptions), (c) Held reservation not applicable to promotions (later amended by 77th/85th Amendments). Landmark judgment balancing social justice with merit; foundation of OBC reservation jurisprudence.