The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a major order banning the mention of caste in police records, official documents, vehicles, and public spaces. This move comes after a judgment by the Allahabad High Court, which called the glorification of caste “anti-national” and against constitutional values.

According to the government order, caste will no longer be mentioned in FIRs, arrest memos, or other police documents. Instead, the parent’s names will be used for identification. Caste symbols, slogans, and references must be removed from police station noticeboards, vehicles, and signboards. Police will also monitor social media to prevent caste-based content and rallies.

There are some exceptions. Caste information can still be recorded for cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, where it is legally required. The government will also make changes to police manuals and standard operating procedures to ensure that all departments follow the High Court’s instructions.

An order from the Home Department on September 21 gives clear instructions to all police and administrative authorities:

1.The CCTNS system will remove the caste entry. The state will request the NCRB to implement this change.

2. Police will record the mother’s name along with the father’s or husband’s name for identification.

3. Until technical changes are done, the caste column in documents should be left blank.

4. Police noticeboards and arrest or seizure memos must not display caste.

5. Stickers or slogans showing caste on vehicles will be punished under the Motor Vehicles Act.

6. Signs showing towns or colonies as belonging to a caste must be removed.

7. Caste-based public gatherings or political rallies are banned.

8. Social media content glorifying or spreading hate based on caste will be monitored and acted upon under IT Rules.

9.Caste will only be recorded where legally required, such as under the SC/ST Act.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav reacted by saying that while the order is good, it will not solve deep-rooted caste bias. He asked how practices like discrimination in daily life, asking someone’s caste before their name, or forcing people to do tasks based on caste will be addressed.

The government’s order is a big step to reduce caste-based discrimination, but experts say real change will require social awareness and long-term efforts.