Amaravati, November 16: Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, reiterated his stance on excluding the "creamy layer" from the benefits of reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC). Speaking at the program "India and the Living Indian Constitution at 75 Years," Gavai emphasized that the children of affluent families, such as those of IAS officers, should not be treated the same as those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

He referred to the Indra Sawhney case, asserting that the creamy layer principle applied to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) should also be extended to Scheduled Castes, despite criticism of his earlier judgment on the matter.

Gavai also highlighted the growing momentum of equality and women's empowerment in India. Reflecting on his tenure, he noted his first and last official functions as CJI were held in Amravati, Maharashtra, and Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, respectively.

Before retiring, Justice Gavai called for states to create policies identifying the creamy layer within SC and ST communities, thus denying them reservation benefits. He also emphasized that the Indian Constitution is a "living document" that must evolve, quoting Dr. BR Ambedkar on the need for equality, liberty, and fraternity for national progress.

Gavai concluded by recalling his own rise from a humble background, attributing his success to the opportunities provided by the Constitution.