Civil Rights Enforcement Cell Cannot Launch Suo Motu Caste Inquiries: Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court has held that the Civil Rights Enforcement (CRE) Cell cannot conduct suo motu investigations into an individual’s caste status. 

The Court ruled that under Rule 7(4) of the 1992 Reservation Rules, the CRE Cell can act only when formally referred by the District Caste Verification Committee. 

As the CRE Cell had initiated proceedings against a retired headmaster without such a referral, the Court declared the inquiry and the subsequent cancellation of his caste certificate void. 

The State has been directed to release his withheld terminal benefits without delay.

[TH Hosamani v. State of Karnataka and Ors.]