The Supreme Court on Monday asked all states and Union Territories to give their replies on a petition. The petition wants children of single mothers from the Other Backward Class (OBC) community to get OBC certificates.

The court also asked states to explain what happens in cases of inter-caste marriages.

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) asking for a change in the current rules. These rules only allow children to get OBC certificates based on their father's side, like the father, grandfather, or uncle. The petitioner said this creates problems for single mothers who raise their children alone.

A bench of Justices KV Viswanathan and NK Singh showed concern and said, "Why should a divorced woman have to go to her husband for caste certificates of her children?"

The court also asked the central government if it had any more suggestions. The central government had already filed its reply and supported the petitioner. However, it told the court that the states also need to respond because they are the ones who make and follow the rules for giving caste certificates.

The bench pointed out that the court had earlier given guidelines for issuing SC/ST certificates in similar cases. Now, the same should be looked at for the OBC category.

The court said, "The plea raises an important issue of the OBC certificate to children of single mothers."

The matter will now be heard again on July 22, when the court may give final directions.

This case could lead to a big change for many children of single mothers in the OBC category who are currently facing difficulties in getting their rightful caste certificates.

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