Sandeep Subhash Parate vs State Of Maharashtra & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the appellant, who falsely claimed to belong to the 'Halba' Scheduled Tribe, was not entitled to relief for obtaining a degree from Pune University as he had committed fraud on statutory authorities. The Court referenced the decision in Kumari Madhuri Patil & Anr. vs. Additional Commissioner, Tribal Development & Ors. [(1994) 6 SCC 241], which established the need for Caste Scrutiny Committees to verify caste claims. The Court upheld the rejection of the appellant's claim and denied his request for a degree, emphasizing that equitable relief cannot be granted to those who deceive authorities.