GANU RAM vs RIKHI RAM KAUNDAL AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that Section 33(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 requires a candidate to specify their caste or tribe for reserved seats, but allows for a liberal interpretation. The Court ruled that a certificate submitted as an annexure to the nomination paper suffices as a declaration, thus validating the nomination. The High Court's decision to invalidate the nomination due to lack of declaration in the form itself was overturned, affirming the Returning Officer's acceptance of the nomination.