In Brief
This case involves multiple special leave petitions from candidates for municipal councils in Maharashtra challenging the mandatory requirement to submit a caste validity certificate within six months of election. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's conclusion that Section 9A of the Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act, 1965 is mandatory, not discretionary. The Court held that failure to produce the certificate within the prescribed period automatically terminates the candidate's election retroactively. Individual hardships do not justify relaxation. The deeming provision confirms legislative intent to enforce strict compliance with the time limit regardless of circumstances beyond candidates' control.
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