1 906-wp 9020-2026+sptm.odt [This order is corrected pursuant to speaking to minutes of order dated 03.08.2026] IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY BENCH AT AURANGABAD WRIT PETITION NO. 9020 OF 2026 Laxman Sanjay Mande .. Petitioner Versus The State Of Maharashtra Through Its Secretary And Another .. Respondents AND WRIT PETITION NO. 9025 OF 2026 Rameshwar Sanjay Mande .. Petitioner Versus The State Of Maharashtra Through Its Secretary And Another .. Respondents Mr. Anil P. Piratwad, Advocate for Petitioners. Mr. P. K. Lakhotiya & Mr. R. S. Wani, AGP’s for Respondents-State in respective matters. CORAM : KISHORE C. SANT AND AJIT B. KADETHANKAR, JJ. DATE : 31st JULY, 2026. PER COURT :- 1. Heard learned advocate for the petitioners and learned A.G.P. for the respondents. 2. The grievance of the petitioners is as regards non issuance of caste certificate by the learned S.D.O. i.e. competent authority. 2026:BHC-AUG:33763-DB 2 906-wp 9020-2026+sptm.odt The petitioners application is pending since 21.04.2026. 3. Considering above, we direct the respondent No. 2/learned S.D.O. to either issue caste certificate to the petitioners or to reject it on its own merits within one week from today. 4. With this, the writ petitions stand disposed of. ( AJIT B. KADETHANKAR, J.) ( KISHORE C. SANT, J. ) P.S.B.