Reviewed case brief

Indra Sawhney and Ors. v Union of India and Ors. (Mandal Commission case)

AIR 1993 SC 477

AIR 1993 SC 477 · Supreme Court of India (Nine-Judge Bench)

article-16-4mandal-commissioncreamy-layer50-percent-ceilingreservation-in-promotion
Court
Supreme Court of India (Nine-Judge Bench)
Year
1992
Subjects
Constitutional Law I
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

Reservations for socially and educationally backward classes under Article 16(4) cannot exceed 50 percent; the 'creamy layer' among backward classes must be excluded; caste can be a valid criterion but not the sole criterion for identifying backward classes.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        AIR 1993 SC 477; landmark nine-judge bench decision on reservation policy

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.