R. PALANIMUTHU vs RETURNING OFFICER

The Supreme Court held that the election of the second respondent from a reserved constituency was void under Section 100(1)(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as he falsely claimed to belong to the Scheduled Tribe Konda Reddy community while actually being a member of the Hindu Reddiar community. The Court found that the evidence did not support the second respondent's claim to Scheduled Tribe status, and emphasized the need for strict scrutiny in the issuance of certificates to prevent fraud. The High Court's dismissal of the election petition was overturned.