R. Unnikrishnan & Anr vs V.K. Mahanudevan & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of caste certificates issued under The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Act, 1976, emphasizing the need for scrutiny of certificates issued post-1977 due to concerns of fraudulent claims. The Court held that the caste certificate issued to the respondent was based on erroneous reports and thus declared it invalid, reinforcing the principle that caste claims must be substantiated by credible evidence. The judgment underscores the importance of verifying caste claims to prevent misuse of affirmative action benefits.