"Allahabad HC Questions Caste Mention in FIRs, Seeks Explanation from DGP"
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to explain the necessity of including caste information in First Information Reports (FIRs). Justice Vinod Diwakar expressed concerns that such practices could perpetuate institutional bias and lead to prejudicial treatment against marginalized communities. The Court has ordered the DGP to submit a personal affidavit before the next hearing, justifying the relevance of mentioning a suspect's caste in FIRs or during police investigations, especially in a society where caste divisions continue to influence law enforcement and public perception.
3/7/20251 min read
In 2013, the Etawah police registered a case under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Excise Act. The accused were allegedly found transporting a significant quantity of whiskey labeled "for sale in Haryana only," intended for illegal sale in Bihar, where alcohol is prohibited. The FIR included references to the castes of all accused individuals.
Justice Diwakar expressed concerns that mentioning caste in FIRs could perpetuate institutional bias and lead to prejudicial treatment against marginalized communities. He emphasized that in a caste-sensitive society, such practices might influence law enforcement and public perception. The Court highlighted that the Constitution guarantees the elimination of caste-based discrimination, ensuring equality and dignity for all citizens. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has previously prohibited the inclusion of caste or religion in petitions, stating that such mentions serve no purpose and may promote discrimination.
The Court ordered the DGP to file a personal affidavit before the next hearing, justifying the requirement and relevance of mentioning the caste of a suspect or group of persons in an FIR or during a police investigation. The Court underscored that in a society where caste remains a sensitive issue, such practices could perpetuate social divisions and affect the impartiality of law enforcement. The next hearing is scheduled for March 12, during which the DGP is expected to provide the requested explanation.
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to submit a personal affidavit justifying the inclusion of caste information in First Information Reports (FIRs). This directive stems from concerns that such mentions could perpetuate institutional bias and lead to prejudicial treatment against marginalized communities. The Court emphasized that in a caste-sensitive society, referencing caste in FIRs may influence law enforcement practices and public perception. The DGP is required to provide this explanation before the next hearing scheduled for March 12, 2025.