Question

Which is the famous case relating to constitutionality of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?

• A. Lalitha Kumari v. State of UP and others
• B. D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal
• C. PUCL v. Union of India
• D. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India

Hint:

The Indra Sawhney case is central to understanding India’s reservation system. It set a cap on the total reservations and helped define the extent of affirmative action policies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Introduction to the Case 
The famous case relating to the constitutionality of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), also known as the Mandal Commission Case. This case is pivotal in shaping India’s reservation system for socially and economically backward classes. Step 2: The Mandal Commission Report 
The Mandal Commission was set up to identify the socially and economically backward classes of India. Based on its recommendations, the government decided to provide 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions. 
Step 3: Supreme Court’s Judgment 
In the landmark judgment, the Supreme Court upheld the policy of reserving 27% of seats for OBCs in government services and educational institutions but imposed certain restrictions. The Court set a 50% cap on the total percentage of reservations, ensuring that the reservations did not exceed half of the total seats available. 
Step 4: Constitutional Significance 
The case played a crucial role in interpreting the constitutional provisions related to affirmative action and reservations, emphasizing the importance of achieving social justice while maintaining merit and equality under the law.