Discuss the historical evolution of the creamy layer doctrine in Indian constitutional law. What are the potential repercussions of broadening its application to SC/ST communities?

Directive: Discuss — both sides present; end with a position, not just summary

• Intro → Side A (evolution): Indra Sawhney (1992) → creamy layer for OBCs via status not income → 1993 OM: Class I/II post as proxy → 2004 DoPT diluted to salary → Rohith Nathan (2026) restored status-based logic → Davinder Singh (2024) added sub-classification for SC/ST
• Side B (repercussions): Extending to SC/ST → removes individuals whose caste subordination persists regardless of income → Ambedkar 1936: educated Mahar still faces discrimination → Presidential List never poverty-conditioned → Jaishri Patil: barely stable families excluded → elite capture myth (Nishith Prakash)
• Position: Sub-classification ≠ creamy layer → former targets communities for inclusion; latter excludes individuals by income → conflation is constitutionally and sociologically indefensible for SC/ST
• Conclusion: Broadening creamy layer to SC/ST = dismantling transformative constitutionalism → Parliament must legislatively seal the distinction before obiter dicta hardens into binding precedent