The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday addressed a petition seeking action on a pending caste verification complaint. The bench focused on ensuring a time-bound decision rather than entering into the merits of the dispute.
Background of the Case
The case, Pradeep Ahirwar v. The State of Madhya Pradesh and Others (Writ Petition No. 8658 of 2026), came up before a division bench comprising Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh on April 24, 2026.
The petitioner, Pradeep Ahirwar, had filed a complaint earlier on March 31, 2025, before the High Level Caste Scrutiny Committee. The complaint questioned the validity of a caste certificate issued to respondent No. 3, who had been shown as belonging to a Scheduled Caste category.
Read also:- Supreme Court Restores Bail in MP Excise Case, Says Repeat Offence Alone Not Enough for Cancellation
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel clarified that the immediate concern was not adjudication by the court itself but a direction to the competent authority to decide the complaint within a fixed timeline.
The bench noted the submissions made by both sides. Counsel for the petitioner indicated that the matter could be resolved if the High Level Caste Scrutiny Committee was directed to decide the pending complaint after granting a fair hearing to all concerned parties.
On the other hand, the State’s counsel assured the court that appropriate instructions would be issued to the Committee. He submitted that the authority would examine the matter, including calling respondent No. 3 and conducting verification as per the prescribed procedure.
Recording these submissions, the bench observed in essence that the dispute required factual verification by the competent authority rather than immediate judicial determination.
Read also:- Patna High Court Revives Borrower’s Appeal, Says DRAT Can Recall Orders Even After Delay
Accepting the submissions, the court directed the High Level Caste Scrutiny Committee to take a decision on the petitioner’s complaint, if not already done. The decision must be communicated to the petitioner within sixty days from the date of the order.
“The Committee shall call the concerned respondent, verify the caste certificate in accordance with procedure, and pass an appropriate order,” the bench indicated while outlining the process.
The court further directed both parties to ensure that a copy of the order is sent to the Committee by April 30, 2026, through speed post.
Read also:- Karnataka High Court Upholds Demolition Order Over Fire Safety Violations in Bengaluru Apartment Project
Importantly, the bench added a safeguard for the petitioner. It clarified that if the Committee fails to pass an order within the prescribed period—ending June 30, 2026-the petitioner would be free to approach the court again.
With these directions, the High Court disposed of the writ petition, leaving the matter to be decided by the High Level Caste Scrutiny Committee within the stipulated timeframe.
Case details
Case Title: Pradeep Ahirwar v. The State of Madhya Pradesh and Others
Case Number: Writ Petition No. 8658 of 2026
Court: High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur Bench
Judge: Hon’ble Justice Vivek Agarwal & Hon’ble Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh
Decision Date: April 24, 2026
