In Brief
The Supreme Court examined the validity of caste certificates issued during 2011–2012 for local elections in Maharashtra. While affirming that the legislature can enact laws differing from prior judicial directions filling a constitutional vacuum, the Court found that caste certificates issued during this period were done in a casual manner without proper vigilance verification. The Court quashed the High Court's direction to cancel all these certificates but ordered their re-verification within six months under the 2012 Rules. Those whose certificates were rejected without inquiry gained appeal rights. The decision prioritizes proper procedure to ensure only entitled persons receive caste benefits, preventing fraud that deprives genuine SC/ST candidates of reserved seats."
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