ASHOKA KAUMAR THAKUR vs STATE OF BIHAR

The Supreme Court upheld the criteria for determining the 'creamy layer' for exclusion from backward classes as laid down by the States of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, affirming the interpretation of Article 16(4) of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that the exclusion of socially advanced members of backward classes ensures that job reservations benefit the most deserving sections. The judgment reiterated that a means-test is necessary to identify and exclude affluent members from the backward class, thereby ensuring that the benefits reach the poorer and weaker sections of society.