NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY vs STATE OF KERALA

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of the 'creamy layer' concept among backward classes in relation to the Kerala government's notification dated 27.5.2000. The Court reiterated the mandate from Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, which requires the exclusion of the 'creamy layer' from reservation benefits under Article 16(4) of the Constitution. The Court held that the State of Kerala's failure to comply with this directive was unconstitutional, thereby reinforcing the legal principle that only those classes devoid of the 'creamy layer' are eligible for reservation benefits.