Supreme Court allows student to retain degree despite invalid ST certificate

The core issue is whether she is entitled to her degree certificate and academic documents despite the invalidity of her caste certificate.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: Cynthia Julious Charlie; Respondents: The Vice Chancellor & Others (including Sant Gadge Baba Amaravati University and the college); Bench: Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Manmohan.

What the court decided

• The Supreme Court allowed the appeals and disposed of them in terms of earlier orders in similar cases.
• The University is directed to announce the results for the 6th and 8th semesters.
• If the appellant has qualified, the University must issue the degree certificate and return all original testimonials.
• The University must complete these actions within three weeks of receiving the certified copy of the order.
• The appellant is prohibited from relying on the cancelled ST certificate for future studies or public employment.
• The appellant is prohibited from seeking a fresh ST certificate.

Also in the document

• The Court explicitly stated that the appellant shall not rely on the cancelled ST certificate for future benefits.
• The Court set a specific deadline of three weeks for the University to act.
• The Court noted that the appellant did not press the prayer for compensation.