1. The petitioner joined the service of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in the year 1981 as a Washer-man. At the time of appointment, he submitted a caste certificate, dated 02-05-1977, issued by the then Police Patel of Kothakota village, to the effect that he belongs to ‘Chakali’ community. About a quarter century thereafter, the respondents have undertaken verification of the genuinity of the certificate. It appears that the District Collector, Mahaboobnagar, informed the respondents that the competent authority to issue the caste certificate was not the Police Patel. On this basis, the petitioner was required to obtain a caste certificate, from the competent authorities. On an application submitted by the petitioner, the Mandal Revenue Officer, Kothakota village issued a certificate in the year 2004 to the effect that the petitioner belongs ‘Chakali BC – A community’.

2. The Deputy Commandant, CISF Unit, Cherlapally, Hyderabad, the 2nd respondent herein, issued an Article of charge, dated 16-01-2010, to the petitioner alleging that he submitted an incorrect caste certificate at the time of recruitment. The charge was elaborated through statement of imputatio