Sau Kusum vs State Of Maharashtra & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of caste verification for OBC status under the Maharashtra Government's circular dated 21.08.1996, which disallows verification for candidates not residents of Maharashtra prior to 1967. The Court held that the Caste Scrutiny Committee must examine the caste claim of the appellant, Smt. Kusum Akotkar, despite the initial refusal based on residency. The Court directed the Committee to reconsider the evidence and make a determination regarding her caste status, emphasizing the need for a fair examination of her claim.