UP bans Caste-based political rallies, stickers, and signboards

The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday announced a complete ban on caste-based references in police records and public spaces, acting on directives from the Allahabad High Court aimed at curbing caste discrimination in the state.

In an official order, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar instructed all departments that caste will no longer be mentioned in First Information Reports (FIRs), arrest memos, or other police documents. Instead, parents' names will be used for identification.

The order also directed the immediate removal of caste symbols, slogans, and references from police station noticeboards, vehicles, and signboards. Caste-based rallies have been prohibited, with police tasked to monitor social media platforms strictly to prevent violations.

The government clarified that exceptions would apply in cases filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, where caste identification remains a legal necessity. Amendments will also be made to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and police manuals to ensure compliance with the High Court’s directive.

Reacting to the order, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned whether the government would go beyond administrative bans to tackle deep-rooted caste discrimination.