The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a landmark step towards eradicating caste discrimination. Caste-based rallies are now completely banned in the state. In addition, caste will not be mentioned in public locations, police FIRs, arrest memos, and government documents. These directives were issued by the Chief Secretary in compliance with a recent historic verdict by the Allahabad High Court.
According to the Chief Secretary's directions, police records such as FIRs and arrest memos will no longer mention an individual's caste. Similarly, any caste-related columns will be removed from government and legal documents, ensuring equal treatment for all. However, exemptions are made where caste is an essential legal aspect.
Ban on Caste-Based Rallies and Events
As per the directives, there will be a total prohibition on caste-based rallies or events. Additionally, there will be actions taken under the IT Act against caste glorification or hate-spreading content on social media and the internet.
Source: aajtak
Indeed, this historic decision stems from a ruling by Allahabad High Court's Justice Vinod Diwakar on September 19, 2025, during a hearing on a liquor smuggling case (Parveen Chetri vs. State). The petitioner, Parveen Chetri, had objected to the mention of his caste (Bhil) in the arrest FIR and memo. The Court labeled this as against constitutional morality, stating that glorifying caste is 'anti-national.'
The court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to immediately amend police documentation procedures, explicitly instructing the removal of all columns and entries related to the caste of accused, informants, and witnesses.
'No Need for Caste-Based Identification'
The court dismissed the explanations provided in the DGP's affidavit (e.g., caste is necessary for identification), asserting that modern means such as fingerprints, Aadhaar, mobile numbers, and parental details make caste-based identification redundant.
Chief Secretary's Directives
Following the court's directions, comprehensive orders were issued by the Chief Secretary on September 21, 2025, comprising ten key points focusing on uprooting caste-based discrimination.
Changes in Police Records and FIRs: Mention of caste will be completely eliminated from FIRs, arrest memos, charge sheets, etc. For identification, both the father's and mother's name will mandatorily be provided.
NCRB and CCTNS System: In the National Crime Records Bureau's (NCRB) Crime Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), the caste field is to be left blank. The Police Department will appeal to the NCRB to remove this column.
Removing Caste Indicators from Public Places: Caste-based signs, slogans, or symbols will be removed from police station notice boards, vehicles, signboards, and other public spaces. Central motor vehicle rules will be amended to explicitly prohibit caste-based slogans on vehicles.
Strictness Against Caste Rallies and Social Media: A complete ban on caste-based rallies or programs will be enforced. Under IT rules, actions will be taken against caste glorification or hate-spreading content on social media and internet media.
Special Exemption: Exemption will be allowed in cases where the mention of caste is legally necessary, such as under the SC/ST Act.
