SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

Shaikh Hamid Sk.Hanif

Vs.

Salim Baig Yusuf Baig & Ors.

C.A.No.7311-7312 of 2016

(Kurian Joseph and R.F.Nariman,JJ.,)

05.08.2016

JUDGMENT

Kurian Joseph,J.,

SLP(Civil) No.15211-15212 of 2015

1. Leave granted.

2. The appellants are aggrieved by the impugned order, whereby the High Court remitted the scrutiny of the caste verification of the appellants    to the Scrutiny Committee.

3. The learned senior counsel appearing  for the appellants rightly submits that the Scrutiny Committee does not have the power of review. But, on a close scrutiny of the impugned order, it is clear that the High Court intended the Committee to look into the matter afresh and not to exercise the power of review.

4. Anyway, for the purpose of completion          of the records, we set aside the impugned order dated 20.01.2012 of the Divisional Caste Certificate Verification Committee, Amaravati and subsequent order dated 26.08.2013 of the Divisional Caste Certificate Verification Committee, Amaravati. Rest of the directions of the High Court regarding verification are sustained.

5. However, it is made clear that the status quo, as on today, will continue with regard to the status of the appellants, till the matter is finally disposed of by the High Court.

6. It is informed that the term is going to expire in January, 2017. We           direct  the Scrutiny Committee to complete the proceedings within six weeks from the date of           production of a copy of this           Judgment by  either party and thereafter, the High Court may dispose of the writ petition within another four weeks.

7. With the above observations and directions, these appeals are disposed of. I.A. No. 7 for vacating stay is also disposed of.

8. No costs.