Madras High Court Delivers Split Verdict on SC/ST Status Verification for Retired Govt Employees

The Madras High Court gave a split verdict in a case challenging the post-retirement verification of SC/ST community certificates of government employees.

While one judge upheld the scrutiny process, another ruled it violates constitutional protections, calling it "arbitrary and illegal." The matter will now be referred to a third judge.

Petitioners argued that retrospective caste checks after decades of service cause harassment. The verdict highlights tensions between preventing fraudulent claims and protecting employees from discrimination.

The case stems from Tamil Nadu’s caste verification drive, which has faced criticism for targeting retired Dalit employees.

[M Gunasekaran v The State Level Scrutiny Committee – II and Another]