Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a comprehensive order prohibiting caste references in police documents, official formats, vehicles, and public spaces. The move follows a recent Allahabad High Court ruling which described caste glorification as “anti-national” and a violation of constitutional morality.
New directives for police and administration
In an official order, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar instructed all departments that caste will no longer be recorded in First Information Reports (FIRs), arrest memos, or other police documents. Instead, identification will rely on parent names to avoid caste profiling.
The order also directs the removal of caste symbols, slogans, and references from police station noticeboards, vehicles, and signboards. Additionally, caste-based rallies have been prohibited, and police have been asked to monitor social media to prevent violations of the directive.
Exceptions and legal compliance
The government clarified that exceptions will apply in cases filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, where caste identification is legally necessary. Amendments will also be made to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and police manuals to ensure strict compliance with the High Court’s directive.
High Court’s rationale
The Allahabad High Court had observed that recording caste in FIRs, arrest memos, seizure memos, or police noticeboards amounted to identity profiling rather than objective investigation. The practice, the court said, reinforces prejudice and undermines constitutional values.
“Caste glorification in official documents and public spaces is not only unnecessary for investigations but also promotes divisiveness, contrary to the constitutional mandate of equality,” the ruling noted.
Implementation
Following the court’s guidance, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department issued a 10-point order on September 21 to all police and administrative authorities, explicitly stating that the directives are in full compliance with the High Court judgment. Officials have been asked to ensure that all personnel adhere to the new guidelines immediately.
Implications
The decision is expected to reshape policing and public administration in Uttar Pradesh, reducing caste-based profiling and promoting inclusivity. Experts say it may also set a precedent for other states to follow similar measures, reinforcing constitutional values and equality before the law.