Patna: The constitutional validity and social implications of extending the “creamy layer” principle to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes came under discussion at a special lecture organised by the SC/ST cell of Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) on Sunday.Former MP Udit Raj, who delivered the lecture on “Creamy layer and SC/ST reservation”, discussed the evolution of reservation jurisprudence and the distinction between equality and equity. He said reservation policy needed to be viewed in the context of the historical and continuing social disabilities faced by SCs and STs.Raj expressed concern that applying the creamy layer principle to SCs and STs could affect the constitutional objective of substantive equality and social justice. He also stressed the need for scientific temper and critical thinking, saying these were essential for India to realise its aspiration of becoming a “viswaguru”.CNLU vice-chancellor Faizan Mustafa said the ethos of justice extended beyond law to individual freedom, equality and liberty. He placed reservation within the broader constitutional framework of social and educational justice.Registrar S P Singh, faculty members and students attended the programme, organised under the supervision of Nidhi Kumari, faculty convener of the SC/ST cell.
