( 1 ) EVER since 1963 when the Supreme Court rendered the decision in what has come to be popularly known as "balaji s Case" AIR 1963 SC 649 which is referred to as the locus Classicus of learning on Backward Classes, volumes have been written on the question of reservation in educational institutions and services in favour of Backward Classes. High learning has flown into the views expressed by the Supreme Court in a number of judgements rendered subsequently on the subject. Even so, the problems arising in this regard still defy solution. It is unfortunate that developments over a quarter of a century have not given a quietus to this problem. It is well to refer to the following observations of Venkataramiah J. , in K. C. Vasanthkumar v. State of Karnataka AIR 1985 SC 1495 at P. 1532 (Para 91 ). "the questions involved in these cases are delicate ones and have, therefore, to be tackled with great caution. The issues raised here and the decision rendered on them are bound to have a great impact on society. They are indeed highly sensitive issues. A superficial approach to the problem has, therefore, to be avoided. The question s have to be tackled with sympathy fo