The document summarizes key cases related to reservations for backward classes in India under Article 16(4) of the constitution. It discusses the Devadsan, Thomas, A.B.S.K Sangh, and Indira Sawhney cases. The Indira Sawhney case, also known as the Mandal Commission case, dealt with the recommendation to reserve 27% of government jobs for Other Backward Classes. The Supreme Court ruled that reservations should not exceed 50% and the "creamy layer" of backward classes should be excluded. It also ruled that reservations should not be provided in promotions.