The Supreme Court, on Thursday, agreed to examine the Centre’s plea for a prospective application of its March 11, 2026 verdict that ruled a parent’s salary alone cannot determine creamy‑layer exclusion for OBCs— a ruling that followed petitions in several High Courts.
The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, argued that denying prospective effect would unleash administrative chaos and affect employees or appointees not parties to the litigation, and that a two‑year window is necessary to adjust competing rights and undertake an effective equivalence exercise.
The bench, led by CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, noted that the law officer’s submission included a transfer of cases from various High Courts and that a limited prospective overruling would prevent disruptions in seniority, cadre allocation and appointments.
The Court will next decide whether to grant the requested deferment, a decision that could postpone changes to current recruitment processes and allow the government to implement the verdict without unsettling ongoing appointments.