Dr. Sushma Sharan vs. Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)

Timeline

1. 3 Nov 2026News

   Caste certificate with husband name no ground for quota denial: Patna HC

   Division bench of Justices Mohit Kumar Shah and Sourendra Pandey, in an order dated October 30, upheld a single judge’s February 14, 2023, direction to the BPSC to consider Dr Sushma Sharan for appointment as assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology under the scheduled caste (SC) category

   Hindustan Times

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The court ruled that using a husband's name on a caste certificate is not a valid reason to deny job quotas.

   Who:

   Dr. Sushma Sharan is the applicant, the Bihar Public Service Commission is the hiring agency, and Justices Mohit Kumar Shah and Sourendra Pandey are the judges.

   When:

   Reported on 3 Nov 2026.

   Where:

   The Patna High Court in Bihar.

   Why:

   The court decided that the certificate remains valid for the scheduled caste appointment despite the name used on the document.

   What it means:

   The hiring agency must now consider the applicant for the assistant professor position under the scheduled caste category.

2. 2 Nov 2026News

   Reservation will be granted even if the husband's name is on the caste certificate, Patna High Court gives big relief to women

   Dainik Jagran

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The court ruled that women can claim job reservation benefits using caste certificates listing their husband's name.

   Who:

   Dr. Sushma Sharan is the petitioner, the Bihar Public Service Commission is the recruiting agency, and the Patna High Court is the judicial body.

   When:

   Reported on 2 Nov 2026.

   Where:

   Patna High Court in Bihar.

   Why:

   The court decided that a change in marital status or the name on a certificate should not disqualify women from reservation benefits.

   What it means:

   The ruling allows women to access reserved positions even if their official caste documentation reflects their husband's details instead of their father's.