Affinity Test Alone Not Valid Reason to Reject Tribe Claim When Strong Documentary Evidence Exists

Avinash s/o. Bharat Ahire Vs State of Maharashtra (Bombay High Court) The Bombay High Court considered two writ petitions challenging an order dated 4 May 2019 passed by a Caste Scrutiny Committee invalidating the petitioners’ claim of belonging to the “Thakur – Scheduled Tribe” community. The invalidation affected one petitioner’s appointment as Sales Tax Inspector on a reserved Scheduled Tribe post. The petitioner had been issued a caste certificate by the Sub-Divisional Officer certifying that he belonged to “Thakur” Scheduled Tribe. For verification, he submitted extensive do...