Cincy Bibi v. State of Kerala
Case brief
What is this about?
The High Court addressed multiple writ petitions challenging the denial of ST reservation quotas based on KIRTADS reports. The court held that the Screening Committee has the authority under Section 6 of the Kerala Community Certificates Act to probe certificate genuineness absent fraud. It ruled that second-generation intercaste children do not automatically claim ST status unless they prove social disabilities. However, considering the hardship of debarment, the court permitted candidates to complete their ongoing courses. Petitioners were warned they would not be entitled to future ST benefits and were directed to approach authorities post-facto under Section 8 of the Act. A full bench judgment by this court was relied upon to define ST status.
What did the court decide?
The petitioners were permitted to continue and complete their respective admission courses (BAMS, MBBS, Nursing, Higher Secondary) admitted under interim orders. They were made clear that they will not be entitled to any ST benefits in the future and must approach authorities under Section 8 of the Act to claim status.