R. KANDASAMY vs CHIEF ENGINEER, MADRAS PORT TRUST

The Supreme Court held that community certificates issued by Tehsildars prior to 11.11.1989 remain valid for public service appointments, despite a government order mandating that such certificates be issued only by Revenue Divisional Officers thereafter. The Court found that the insistence on a fresh certificate from the Revenue Divisional Officer was improper, as the appellant's certificate dated 10.3.1987 was valid. Consequently, the Court set aside the High Court's dismissal of the writ petition and directed the Madras Port Trust to accept the appellant's community certificate for his appointment as a mazdoor.