Ramchandra Bhima Mane v. The State Of Maharashtra Thr. Social Justice And Special Assistance Dep. And ORS

308-WP 8033-25.DOC

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION WRIT PETITION NO. 8033 OF 2025 Ramchandra Bhima Mane

...Petitioner

Vs The State of Maharashtra & Ors.

...Respondents

_________ Mr. Sagar C. Talekar for the Petitioner.

Mr. Kedar Dighe, Addl. GP a/w Ms. Savita A. Prabhune, AGP for the Respondent-State.

__________

CORAM:

G. S. KULKARNI & ARIF S. DOCTOR, JJ.

DATE:

20 JUNE 2025.

P.C.

1.

The only substantive relief sought for in this Petition is as follows:- MUGDHA MANOJ PARANJAPE "a.

That this Hon'ble Court be pleased to issue a writ of mandamus or any appropriate writ, order or direction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, thereby directing the Respondent no.2 to decide the Application dated 29th April 2025 (Exh. A) filed by the Petitioner;" MUGDHA MANOJ PARANJAPE Date: 2025.06.23 18:42:55 +0530 2.

Heard Mr. Talekar, Learned Counsel for the Petitioner, who submits that the Petitioner had filed a Writ Petition challenging an order dated 15th July 2024 passed by Respondent No.2-The Schedule Tribe Certificate Scrutiny Committee, Raigad. He points out that the said Writ Petition came to be dismissed vide an order dated 24th March 2025, which confirmed an order dated 15th July 2024 by which the Petitioner was aggrieved. Learned Counsel points out that at the stage when the order was being passed, certain facts and documents could not be placed before this Court for consideration, which were material. He thus submits that a review of the order dated 24th March 2025 was filed, which is presently pending hearing.

3.

Mr. Talekar then submits that it is imperative to consider the said documents which were found, to decide the claim of the Petitioner of 'Vadar' 20 June 2025 Mugdha

308-WP 8033-25.DOC caste, which were found subsequently by due and diligent search. He points out that it was thus that the Petitioner vide its application dated 29th April 2025 submitted the relevant documents to Respondent No.2 and further requested Respondent No.2 to verify the said documents, which were crucial to decide the Petitioner's claim of 'Vadar' caste and which fact would also ultimately assist while deciding the review petition pending before this Court. Learned Counsel for the Petitioner submits that despite this application having been filed, no steps to consider the same have been taken and it is thus that the Petitioner has filed the present Petition.

4.

Mr. Dighe, Learned Addl. GP for the Respondent-State does not oppose. 5.

After having heard and having perused the papers, we find merit in the Petitioner's contention. The outcome of the said application would infact have a bearing on the review petition.

6.

Thus we allow the present Writ Petition in terms of prayer clause (a). 7.

We direct Respondent No.2 to hear and decide the application dated 29th April 2025 filed by the Petitioner on or before 16th July 2025. 8.

In the meantime, we direct Respondent No.3 not to take any coercive action for removal of the Petitioner from the post of member of Vaveghar Village Panchayat.

9.

The Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. (ARIF S. DOCTOR, J.) (G. S. KULKARNI, J.) 20 June 2025 Mugdha