PRANAV PRAKASH MANDLIK Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule, returnable forthwith. Heard finally by consent of the parties.

(2.) The Petitioner has challenged order dated 6.2.2014 passed by Respondent No.2Scheduled Tribe Certificate Scrutiny Committee (Scrutiny Committee), thereby invalidating the caste certificate of the Petitioner who belongs to "Koli Mahadeo - Scheduled Tribe" mainly on the ground that the Tribe - Koli Mahadeo is not found in Dhule District as per Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Orders (Amendment) Act, 1976. On 27.11.1995 the Competent Appellate Authority has granted caste certificate to the Petitioner and to his brother. Through college, his case for validity of certificate was forwarded on 27.11.2007 along with documents. The Petitioner got admission under reserved category in the year 200910. The Petitioner is studying in 3rd and final year of Degree course in Catering and Hotel Management. During this period, the Vigilance Cell recorded statement of father of the Petitioner on 21.08.2008, apart from deposition towards traditional occupation, social cultural traits, dialect etc, pointed out the certificate of validity to himself and to his brother. It is also pointed out other close family members having such valid caste certificate. The Petitioner, therefore, reiterated again and again that his father,two blood uncles and his real elder brother have been granted certificate of validity by Respondent No.2Scrutiny Committee and the Scrutiny Committee of Nasik, therefore, prayed for the similar issuance of certificate of validity. Respondent No.2 Scrutiny Committee, however, by the impugned order, invalidated the caste certificate of the Petitioner by overlooking the judgment cited of Hon'ble Supreme Court, as well as, High Court.

(3.) The apex Court in Ayaaubkhan Noorkhan Pathan v. State of Maharashtra & ors, 2013 4 SCC 465 referring to earlier Supreme Court judgments has recorded as under, as there is no case of any fraud and/or misrepresentation by the Petitioner while claiming the caste certificate and/or also validation of it.