The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the State Government to constitute a committee to verify certificates issued to dependants of freedom fighters who secured admissions or government appointments against reserved seats. The direction came amid allegations of fake certificates being used to claim reservation benefits, including during NEET-UG Counselling 2026.
Background
The directions were passed in a public interest litigation filed by the National Public Service Trust against the State of Uttarakhand and others.
The petitioner alleged that, out of 24 candidates who claimed reservation benefits as dependants of freedom fighters during NEET-UG Counselling 2026, certificates of 16 candidates were found to be fake. Despite this, they were allegedly allowed to participate in the first and second rounds of counselling.
The petitioner sought a statewide verification of such certificates and requested a CBI investigation into their alleged fraudulent procurement, issuance and use.
During the hearing, the State's counsel informed the Court that a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a Superintendent of Police, had already been constituted to investigate the issue. The State also submitted that further legal action would be taken based on the SIT's findings.
Considering the public interest involved, the Division Bench directed the Secretaries of the Home and Revenue Departments to constitute a committee to verify certificates of individuals who secured admissions or appointments against seats and posts reserved for dependants of freedom fighters.
The Court further directed:
"Such committee shall be constituted within four weeks from the date of presentation of certified copy of this order and it shall submit its report to the State Government within six months from its constitution."
The committee will also examine the role of Common Service Centres, e-Service Operators, Revenue Inspectors, Lekhpals, Tehsildars and other government officers in the alleged issuance of fake certificates.
The Bench additionally requested the State Government to consider establishing a permanent committee to examine doubtful reservation eligibility claims and conduct random verification of certificates.
The High Court disposed of the public interest litigation with the above directions. It also directed the State Government to take appropriate legal action against persons found to have wrongly secured admissions or appointments through reserved seats or posts.
