Path clear for 2025 batch, about 100 candidates whose OBC certificates were rejected since 2016

Learn the stated distinction and keep the two meanings separate. The bench said its March 11 judgment had held that the respondent candidates “fall within the non-creamy layer of the OBC category and are entitled to the benefit of reservation together with consequential placement and allotment of posts in the selection processes in which they participated.” This means that salary or income alone cannot be used to determine creamy-layer status in the case of candidates whose parents work in PSUs, private-sector establishments, schools and other institutions. The status and category of the posts held by their parents must also be taken into account in accordance with the 1993 government order.

Check the reported status and any stated limitations; do not assume an outcome beyond the source.

Use the stated distinction to avoid mixing up different meanings. Their caste certificates had been rejected over the years since 2016 on the ground that they belonged to the creamy layer, resulting in the rejection of their CSE selections. The Court ruled that excluding the children of such OBC parents working in PSUs and the private sector from reservation benefits solely on the basis of their salary income and not considering the category of posts - Group A or B, or Group C or D - would amount to “hostile discrimination”.

• IF THE Central government follows Friday’s Supreme Court ruling, it could pave the way for service allocation and training and induction of the 2025 batch of 958 candidates selected in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and of 148 candidates selected in the Indian Forest Service Examination. • The March 11 judgment in Union of India vs Rohith Nathan held that the salary or income of a parent employed in a PSU or the private sector could not, by itself, determine creamy-layer exclusion. • The status and category of the parent’s post, along with the prescribed income or wealth test, had to be considered in accordance with the 1993 Office Memo.