Indra Sawhney v. Union of India
Mandal Commission; 50% cap; creamy layer; exclusion of Article 16(4) from promotions.
IRAC Analysis
Whether caste-based backward-class reservations in public employment exceed constitutional limits.
The nine-judge bench upheld OBC reservations subject to the 50% ceiling (barring extraordinary situations), introduced creamy-layer exclusion, and barred reservation in promotions under Article 16(4)—later partially modified by constitutional amendments.