State Of Maharashtra vs Milind & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed two key issues regarding the classification of tribes under the Scheduled Tribes Order, 1950. It held that an inquiry can be conducted to determine if a tribe or community is included under a general name even if not explicitly mentioned in the Order. Specifically, the Court examined whether 'Halba Koshti' is a sub-tribe of 'Halba/Halbi' as per Entry 19 of the Order, ultimately deciding that the matter requires referral to a Constitution Bench due to conflicting judgments on the issue.