Vehicles displaying caste names like Brahmin, Jat, Gujjar, Khsatriya, Yadav or vehicles with slogans/stickers glorifying caste will now be penalised under the Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 1988.
“The Government will now strictly monitor the social media platforms where such images glorifying or criticising any caste which are shared by general commuters. Strict action will be taken against those who spread caste-based enmity or instigate caste-based sentiments through social media,” said a senior MoRTH official. To begin with Uttar Pradesh Government on Monday ordered the immediate removal of all caste references from police records and public notices. It also instructed that vehicles displaying caste-based stickers or slogans be fined under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The 10-point order by the UP Government was issued by officiating Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar on Monday. The directive follows a September 16 direction by the Allahabad High Court and is part of a wider effort to curb caste-based discrimination and promote social harmony and an inclusive system aligned with constitutional values in the State.
The order mandates the deletion of caste columns from police notices and requires authorities to take action against caste-based displays and protests. The ban also extends to public signs and applies to all Government functions, not just in the run-up to elections.
Officials are prohibited from including caste details in police documents such as First Information Reports (FIRs), arrest memos and charge sheets.
Police station notice boards must also be free of any caste columns.
The order directs police to coordinate with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to remove the caste column from the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) portal.
In police records, the names of both the mother and father must now be recorded instead of caste information. The ban does not apply in cases where mentioning a caste name is a legal obligation, such as under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The Allahabad High Court had asked the State Government to create a regulatory framework to ban caste-based identifiers in official documents and on public vehicles.
The chief secretary’s order emphasises that this action aligns with the Government’s policy to foster an inclusive system consistent with constitutional values. The ban applies to all Government papers and communications, ensuring that no caste names or identifiers are used in official exchanges.
The order specifically directs that caste information be removed from notice boards at police stations and prohibits its disclosure in police documents, except for cases related to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The order also prohibits caste-based slogans and identifiers on all private and public vehicles and other public signs. Authorities are directed to take effective action against those who incite conflict through caste-based displays and protests.
The ban is expected to impact all political parties and the general public by discouraging caste-based mobilisation and fostering a more unified society.
The initiative aims to reduce caste-based discrimination and promote a more equitable social environment, in line with the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination.
The move has been framed by officials as a significant step toward improving transparency in the policing system and reinforcing the constitutional principles of equality and unity. The Government also mandates strict action against individuals who use social media to spread caste-based hatred or incite caste sentiments. The directive extends beyond official papers to public spaces. It also bans signboards that glorify caste and markings on vehicles with caste names or emblems.
