The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sent a notice to the State Government about OBC certificates for Sindhis.The petitioner brought the issue to the High Court to deal with concerns regarding caste identity, administrative procedures, and individual rights.
Jabalpur/Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh HC issued notices to the State Government and high-level committee in the cancellation of an OBC (other backward classes) certificate belonging to a member of the Sindhi community. The petitioner challenged the matter in the High Court to intervene and address concerns about caste identity, administrative procedures, and individual rights.
Background:
Janki Sindhi, a resident of Umaria town, whose OBC certificate was issued by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM),. After serving as the president of the Umaria Municipal Council to defend her caste credentials, Janki Sindhi’s experience highlights the challenges individuals encounter in navigating caste-related reservations and certifications in India.
The key issue in this case is where the high-level committee is responsible for verifying caste certificates. Established to ensure the veracity of caste certificates, the committee’s actions have themselves become the subject of examination. Janki Sindhi’s case reflects the broader challenges individuals face when dealing with bureaucratic procedures related to caste classifications.
On April 4, 2000, the Government of India declared the Sindhi community as an Other Backward Class in Madhya Pradesh. Janki Sindhi mentioned in her petition that after the declaration, she got her OBC certificate. After that, Janki Sindhi pursued a career in public service.
The validity of her caste certificate, leading to the intervention of the high-level committee. Despite initial support from the local authorities, Janki Sindhi faced the sudden revocation of her OBC certificate by the committee.
Janki Sindhi alleged in her petition that she was denied a fair chance to present her case before the committee, with the certificate revoked before a proper hearing could be held. Such instances raise concerns about due process, transparency, and the protection of individual rights within administrative frameworks.
Dinesh Upadhyay, an advocate, represented Janki Sindhi in the case. The High Court intervened by sending notices to the authorities involved.
