Quick Summary: On November 21, 2025, the Bombay High Court made a decision on a case involving central government workers who were against the Maharashtra Act of 2000. This law requires checking caste certificates. The court decided the law is fair and can be applied to central employees who get benefits from reservations.
Who Filed the Case?
The case was filed by Anand Shankarrao Kolhatkar and other central government workers against the Union of India and other parties.
What Was the Issue?
Anand Shankarrao Kolhatkar and the others said that the Maharashtra Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, De-notified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Special Backward Category (Regulation of Issuance and Verification of) Caste Certificate Act, 2000, was not fair. They argued it shouldn't apply to central government workers.
Hearing Details
The case was heard by Justices Smt. M. S. Jawalkar and Raj D. Wakode on November 21, 2025, at the Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench.
Petitioners' Argument
Anand Shankarrao Kolhatkar and the others said that the committee checking the caste certificates had no power over central government workers. They mentioned the Constitution's Union List, which keeps certain powers for the central government.
Respondents' Argument
The government's lawyer, Dr. Birendra Saraf, argued that giving out caste certificates is something the state can do. He said that workers who get benefits from reservations must follow the 2000 law.
Constitutionality of the Act
The court decided that parts 6(1) and 6(3) of the law are fair. The law makes sure only the right people get reservation benefits.
Application to Central Employees
The court said that central government workers using caste certificates given by the state must have them checked by the committee.
Implications of the Ruling
The decision highlights the need to check caste claims to stop people from wrongly getting reservation benefits. It applies to all workers, whether they work for the central or state government.
Previous Cases Cited
The judgment mentioned several Supreme Court cases, including Kumari Madhuri Patil v. Addl. Commissioner, Tribal Development, which stressed the need for a strong verification process.
Role of the Scrutiny Committee
The court confirmed the committee's job in checking caste certificates to keep the reservation policies fair.
The court decided that verifying caste certificates is necessary for those getting reservation benefits. This ensures that only those who truly qualify get these benefits. The decision underlines the importance of following the proper steps to check caste certificates.
