Allahabad High Court Orders Removal of Caste Identifiers from Police Records to Uphold Constitutional Values
Court mandates reforms in police practices and dismisses plea to quash liquor smuggling charges against Praveen Chetri
News Report: In a landmark judgment delivered by the Allahabad High Court on September 16, 2025, Justice Vinod Diwakar directed the removal of caste identifiers from police records and investigation formats, emphasizing the need to align with constitutional values of equality and fraternity. The court criticized the practice of mentioning caste in FIRs and investigation reports, stating it perpetuates caste bias and undermines the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The judgment arose from an application filed by Praveen Chetri, seeking to quash criminal proceedings against him related to liquor smuggling charges under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 IPC and Sections 60/63 of the Excise Act. The court dismissed the application, noting that a prima facie case was established against Chetri, who was identified as a gang leader involved in smuggling liquor across state borders.
In its detailed judgment, the court observed that the mention of caste in police documents serves no lawful purpose and reinforced prejudices. The Director General of Police's affidavit, which attempted to justify the practice, was rejected by the court. The judgment highlighted the significance of adopting modern identification methods such as fingerprints, mobile numbers, and parental details instead of relying on caste identifiers.
The court issued specific directions to the Uttar Pradesh government to amend police formats and procedures, including the addition of the mother's name for identification purposes and the deletion of columns requiring caste information. The ruling also called for the removal of caste-based identifiers from public spaces, vehicles, and social media, recommending national frameworks to regulate such practices.
Justice Diwakar emphasized the importance of dismantling caste-based prejudices and called for the implementation of sensitization programs for police and judiciary. The judgment reflects a commitment to fostering a casteless society, advocating for constitutional morality and social harmony.
The decision marks a significant step towards achieving a casteless society as envisioned by the Constitution, with the court underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms at multiple levels of governance and society.
Bottom Line:
Caste and religion of accused or litigants should not be mentioned in police records, FIRs, or judicial documents unless statutorily required. Directions issued to the police and state authorities to remove caste identifiers from all formats and documents to align with constitutional values of equality and fraternity.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 14, 15, 17 of the Indian Constitution; Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973; Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860; Sections 60, 63 of the Excise Act
Praveen Chetri v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2781451
