On May 17, 2025, the Supreme Court of India ruled that candidates cannot claim reservation benefits if they fail to submit their caste certificates in the specific format prescribed by the recruitment advertisement. The bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan, delivered this judgment in the case of Mohit Kumar v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Others .

The case involved a candidate who applied for positions advertised by the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB). He submitted an Other Backward Class (OBC) certificate in the format valid for central government jobs, rather than the specific format required by the UPPRPB advertisement. As per the advertisement, certificates not submitted in the state-prescribed format would result in candidates being treated under the unreserved category. The candidate’s application was rejected on this basis.

After the Allahabad High Court denied relief, the candidate appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision, emphasizing that non-compliance with the terms of the recruitment advertisement, such as failing to submit the caste certificate in the prescribed format, justifies the rejection of the candidate’s claim for reservation benefits. The Court noted that the recruiting authority is best positioned to judge the recruitment process and that candidates are expected to thoroughly understand and adhere to the requirements specified in the recruitment notification.

This ruling underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the procedural requirements outlined in recruitment advertisements, particularly concerning the submission of caste certificates for reservation claims.

Sources