Issue of caste certificate by Competent Authority

(1) The Competent Authority may, on an application made to it under section 3, after satisfying itself about the genuineness of the claim and following the procedure prescribed, issue a Caste Certificate within such time limit and in such form as may be prescribed or reject the application for reasons to be recorded in writing. (2) A Caste Certificate issued by any person, Officer or authority other than the Competent Authority shall be invalid.