THE CHIEF REGIONAL OFFICE THE ORIENTAL INSURANCE CO.LTD. vs PRADIP

The Supreme Court held that the appointment of the first respondent as an Assistant was void ab initio due to his invalid claim of belonging to the Dhangad Scheduled Tribe, as established by the Scrutiny Committee's findings. The Court emphasized that the invalidation of a caste claim necessitates the cancellation of the appointment, aligning with the precedent set in Chairman and Managing Director, Food Corporation of India v Jagdish Balaram Bahira. Consequently, the High Court's order to protect the first respondent's services was overturned, reaffirming the principle that only valid caste claims can justify reservations in employment.