The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has delivered an important verdict! It ruled that Central Government employees using reservation benefits in Maharashtra must get caste validity certificates under the state's law. A group of Central Government employees, including some retired and some still working, challenged this rule. They were appointed to posts reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), specifically as Halba ST. Many of these appointments happened before 1995, when caste validity certificates were not asked for. But now, they were told to apply online to the State Scrutiny Committee for verification. When they didn’t, disciplinary actions started, leading to legal battles. The petitioners argued that the Maharashtra Act of 2000 and the 2003 Rules were unfair and against earlier Supreme Court directions. They said the State had no right to control rules for Central Government employees since this is the Centre’s domain. They also claimed that those appointed before 1995 should be exempt from verification, based on Parliamentary Committee advice. However, Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf fought back for the State. He said issuing and checking caste certificates is the State's business. Reservation policies come under social planning, which both the Centre and State share. The Maharashtra law, which the President approved, aims to stop fake or wrong claims of reserved status. Judges Justice M.S. Jawalkar and Justice Raj D. Wakode agreed with the State and rejected the plea. They said, “The Act of 2000 merely provides for the issuance of a caste/tribe certificate by a Competent Authority and its verification by the Scrutiny Committee. It does not determine or relate to the service conditions of any category of persons whatsoever.” The court also made it clear that every person who gets a caste or tribe certificate must get it verified if they want reservation benefits. This rule applies no matter who the employer is. They warned about the dangers of accepting unverified certificates: “If such certificates without verification are held as valid, the blood relatives of the employees of Central Government will get automatic benefits. It may be used for admission in educational institutions, public employment, and even for elections. Such is not the import and object of the enactment.” Finally, the court declared that the relevant parts of the Maharashtra Act and Rules are fully valid and constitutional. The case will be heard again on December 17, 2025. This judgement sends a strong message that reservation benefits must be protected and only given to those truly eligible. The game of fake or easy caste certificates will face tough challenges ahead!