High court questions income-only basis for OBC creamy layer classification

The Gwalior High Court has set aside an earlier decision denying OBC certificate eligibility, questioning whether income criteria alone should disqualify candidates from creamy layer protections. The case involved Ragini Rathour, daughter of a civil judge, whose OBC certificate application was rejected based on her father's annual salary of ₹16.99 lakh. The court directed authorities to reconsider the application within six weeks, signalling that a more comprehensive assessment is necessary beyond financial metrics. The ruling potentially impacts how states and central authorities evaluate creamy layer status, a mechanism designed to exclude economically advanced families from OBC reservations despite their caste classification. Legal analysts note the decision underscores that income thresholds, while relevant, must be considered alongside other factors including property ownership, educational qualifications, and occupational status when determining eligibility for reserved category benefits.