In a resolute decision, the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench has ordered the issuance of a Scheduled Caste ‘chambhar’ certificate to Congress leader Rashmi Barve, criticizing the Caste Scrutiny Committee (CSC) for its conduct which it termed a “witch hunt.” The court has also imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the CSC, payable to Barve within a week.
Justices Avinash Gharote and M S Jawalkar noted that Barve’s caste certificate was unjustly invalidated, hindering her ability to contest the parliamentary elections from the Ramtek Lok Sabha constituency. The bench highlighted that the CSC acted as a “lackey of administration,” casting aside the rules and principles of natural justice to reject Barve’s caste claim.
The court’s stern rebuke stems from findings in an independent inquiry by the Vigilance Cell, which supported the legitimacy of Barve’s caste claim, contrary to the CSC’s previous determination of fraudulence. The justices emphasized that the committee’s actions, influenced by external pressures and complaints, failed to uphold statutory duties as outlined by the Caste Certificate Act and its rules.
In its judgment, the court expressed a need to set a precedent, imposing the financial penalty on the CSC to serve as a deterrent against future misconduct. The court has directed that all actions taken based on the CSC’s impugned decision be considered null and void.
