Renugadevi v. The Revenue Divisional Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 09.06.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN AND THE HONOURABLE MS.JUSTICE R.POORNIMA and W.M.P(MD)Nos.8594 of 2022 & 19268 of 2023 Renugadevi ... Petitioner Vs.

The Revenue Divisional Officer, Palani, Dindigul District.

... Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorari, calling for the records relating to the impugned order of the respondent through his proceedings in Na.Ka.No. 2908/2021/A3 dated 05.05.2022 and quash the same. For Petitioner : Mr.D.Venkatesh For Respondent : Mr.M.P.Senthil Government Advocate 1/4

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by G.R.Swaminathan J.) Heard both sides.

2.The writ petitioner was admittedly born in the community of Hindu Padaiyachi. She married one Elladurai, who belongs to Scheduled Caste. The petitioner claimed inter-caste marriage certificate for the purpose of availing benefits. According to her, by virtue of her marriage, she should also be considered as belonging to a Scheduled Caste. The certificate to the effect was also issued. Subsequently, the respondent vide order dated 05.02.2022 cancelled the said certificate. Challenging the same, this writ petition has been filed.

3.The learned counsel for the petitioner states that the certificate issued by the Tahsildar can be cancelled only by the District Collector. But the learned Government Advocate drew our attention to the stand taken in the counter that the Revenue Divisional Officer will be considered as an appellate authority.

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4.This issue need not detain us at all. The Hon'ble Supreme Court in the decision reported in (2018) 2 SCC 493 (Sunita Singh vs State of Uttar Pradesh) had held that caste is determined by birth and the caste cannot be changed by marriage with a person of scheduled caste. We, therefore, sustain the order of the writ petition. 5.This Writ Petition stands dismissed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. [G.R.S., J.] [R.P., J.] 09.06.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No MGA To The Revenue Divisional Officer, Palani, Dindigul District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

AND R.POORNIMA , J.

MGA 09.06.2026 4/4