JUDGMENT

1. In this appeal, the appellant has assailed the order dated 31.08.2023 passed by the learned Single Judge in Writ Petition No.202197/2023.

2. We have heard the learned counsel appearing for the appellant and the respondents and perused the material on record.

3. The undisputed facts are that, the appellant was elected as member of Gram Panchayat, Sonna - 16, Taluk Jewargi, District Kalaburagi in the elections conducted to the constituency of Ward No.1, as per election certificate dated 30.12.2020. After completion of the term of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha, as per order dated 04.07.2023 issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Kalaburagi, meeting was scheduled for conducting the election to the said post for the second term and the election was fixed on 03.08.2023. The post of Adhyaksha was reserved for ST-Woman candidate and the post of Upadhyaksha was reserved for Backward Class-A ('BC-A' for short).

4. The appellant, aspiring for the post of Adhyaksha, filed an application to the competent authority to issue the caste certificate, claiming that she belong to Talawar caste, coming under Scheduled Tribe category ('ST' for short). The Tahasildar issued an endorsement dated 18.07.202