B.P. Dharmadhikari, J.

Heard Shri Ashwin Deshpande, learned counsel for petitioners and Shri V.P. Maldhure, learned A.G.P. for respondent nos. 1, 2 and 4. Presence of respondent nos. 2 and 3 is not necessary, as petitioner has already completed his education in Engineering with respondent no.3 College, and thereafter has been employed in a private establishment, as per the statement made by the learned counsel for petitioners.

2. We find that while admitting this Writ Petition on 03.05.2002, this Court granted interim relief in terms of prayer clause (iv) and (v) of the petition. Petitioner no.1 was therefore permitted to continue his education without any disturbance.

3. By the impugned order dated 25.02.2002, the Scrutiny Committee has invalidated caste claim of petitioner no.1 as belonging to 'Halbi Scheduled Tribe'. The order has been passed after coming into force the Maharashtra Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Denotified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis), Nomadic Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Special Backward Category (Regulation of Issuance & Verification of) Caste Certificates Act, (Act No. 23 of 2001).

4. Shri Deshpande, learned counsel for the petitioners has submitte