Punyaratha Rama Pandit v. The State Of Maharashtra Through Secretary And Others

2026:BHC-AUG:6127 (1) 906-wp-8877-2025.odt

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD WRIT PETITION NO. 8877 OF 2025 PUNYARATHA RAMA PANDIT

VERSUS

THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA THROUGH SECRETARY AND OTHERS ...

Mr. S. B. Kendre h/f Mr. Amol N. Patale, Advocate for the Petitioner.

Mr. S. A. Gaikwad, AGP for Respondents-State. ...

CORAM : S. G. CHAPALGAONKAR, J.

DATED : 11th FEBRUARY, 2026.

P.C.:- 1.

The present writ petition takes exception to the order dated 31.12.2024 passed by the District Collector, Hingoli, thereby disqualifying petitioner as a Member of the Grampanchayat Kupti, Tq. Kalamnuri, Distict Hingoli for not submitting Caste Validity certificate within stipulated period as required under section 10- (1A) and 30 (1A) of the Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act. 2.

Mr. Patale, learned advocate appearing for petitioner submits that petitioner could not have been disqualified as Government has protected similarly situated persons under policy laid down in Government Circular dated 30.04.2023. 3.

Perusal of record indicates that petitioner has been elected as Member of the Villlage Panchayat, Kupti on 15.01.2021 from Reserved Post. She submitted caste certificate as well as undertaking to file caste validity certificate within a period of 12

(2) 906-wp-8877-2025.odt months from the date of election. However, she could not furnish validity certificate. Eventually, District Collector declared her disqualified in terms of Section 10(1-A) and 30(1A) of the Act. The disqualification under aforesaid provision is automatic. Admittedly, petitioner could not furnish caste validity certificate within time prescribed under law or extended time as per Government notification.

4.

In that view of the matter, no ground is made out to cause interference in impugned order. In the result, writ petition stands dismissed.

(S. G. CHAPALGAONKAR) JUDGE Devendra/February-2026