#affinity test

The Bombay High Court has ruled that caste certificates based on pre-constitutional documents - such as revenue records and school certificates from before 1950 - are conclusive proof of Scheduled Tribe status, and administrative affinity tests cannot override them. This sets a critical precedent for tribal claimants facing scrutiny in government appointments, ensuring historical documentation trumps subjective tribal linkage assessments.

Bombay HC's Nagpur Bench ruled that pre-independence documents listing 'Mana' as a Scheduled Tribe hold superior probative value, invalidating post-1976 affinity tests and area restrictions. The judgment reinforces reliance on historical records for caste verification, impacting thousands of ST certificate holders facing scrutiny challenges.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that pre-independence school records conclusively establish Scheduled Tribe status, rendering rejection based on affinity tests or geographic restrictions legally invalid. This sets a critical precedent for tribal applicants relying on historical documentation, especially in regions where colonial-era records are the only verifiable proof of caste identity.

Bombay HC Nagpur Bench rules that pre-constitutional birth records establishing Scheduled Tribe identity prevail over later adverse entries and inconclusive affinity tests. The judgment reinforces the primacy of documentary evidence under Article 342, impacting caste verification processes for ST communities.

Bombay High Court holds that pre-constitutional documents proving tribal affiliation cannot be rejected merely due to linguistic entries like 'Telugu' or 'Telangi'.

Bombay High Court holds that a caste validity certificate issued to a biological sibling must be accepted unless proven fraudulent through lawful inquiry.