In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of cancellation of caste certificates for Scheduled Castes in Karnataka. The Court noted that the state government did not have the authority to modify the list of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes as per a Constitution bench decision in 2001.
The appellants argued that the cancellation of their caste certificates would deprive them of future benefits, such as promotions based on their reserved category status. However, the Court recognized that the certificates were obtained under a legal misconception and were not fraudulent.
The state government, in a pragmatic decision, decided to protect the employment of individuals who had benefited from these certificates issued prior to certain government circulars. The Court highlighted a specific circular issued in 2003, which extended protection to various castes that were excluded in an earlier circular in 2002.
Furthermore, a communication from the Ministry of Finance in 2005 reinforced the protective measures for concerned bank employees, safeguarding them from departmental and criminal action. Overall, the Court emphasized the importance of upholding the rights and benefits of individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes, ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for all.
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