Bombay HC: Central Workers Must Undergo Caste Certificate Verification in Maharashtra

Summary: The Bombay High Court decided that Maharashtra's rules for checking caste certificates also apply to workers of the Central Government, making sure benefits go to the right people.

Background of the Case

In this case, Ku. Lataben Nilkanthbhai Dharmik and others questioned the Maharashtra law about checking caste certificates. They thought it was unfair for Central Government workers.

The Petitioners' Argument

Ku. Lataben Nilkanthbhai Dharmik and her group, who work for the Central Government, said:

• They got their jobs using caste certificates for the Halba Scheduled Tribe.
• At first, they didn't need a certificate proving their caste from the Scrutiny Committee.
• They thought the law from 2000 shouldn't apply to them since they were hired before 1995.

They argued the law was unfair and went beyond what the state should control by affecting Central Government workers.

Court's Decision

On November 21, 2025, the court, with Judges Smt. M. S. Jawalkar and Raj D. Wakode, heard the case. They decided:

• The law from 2000 is fair and applies to Central Government workers in Maharashtra.
• Checking by the Scrutiny Committee is important to make sure the right people get the benefits.

Key Points from the Judgment

• Power to Make Laws: The court found that the state can make rules affecting Central workers when it comes to checking caste certificates.

• Checking Process: The court stressed that checking is important to stop people from cheating to get caste-based benefits.

• Protecting Real Claims: The decision pointed out the need to protect real claims and stop fake ones from ruining the reservation system.

Implications

This decision strengthens the need to check caste certificates to keep the reservation benefits fair. It ensures that only people who truly deserve them get the benefits intended by the reservation policies.

Summary of the Verdict

The court confirmed that Maharashtra's law for checking caste certificates is fair and applies to Central Government workers, ensuring benefits are given to those who truly qualify.