Sathiadev, J.:

The petitioner in these petitions claims that she belongs to Scheduled Tribe-Konda Reddy and that she had obtained a caste certificate to that effect from the Head Quarters Deputy Tahsildar, Sankari on 5.6.1976. She was appointed as an Air Hostess in Indian Airlines under the quota reserved for Scheduled Tribes. At that time, she secured a certificate from the 18th Metropolitan Magistrate, Saidapet, Madras in the form prescribed under circular issued by the Central Government relating to posts/services in the Central Government and in Public Sector Undertakings, Statutory and Semi-Government Bodies, and voluntary agencies receiving grants in aid from the Central Government. She came to know that the fourth respondent-Indian Airlines had sought for verification regarding the genuineness of the caste certificate. The first respondent-Collector of Salem had initiated enquiry proceedings through his subordinate officers. On 19.11.1981, the Revenue Inspector came to the village and conducted an enquiry in which statements were obtained from the petitioner’s father and ten other persons. All of them gave statements in support of her claim. Again in December, 19