Prayagraj: In a significant observation aimed at curbing the misuse of caste certificates, the Allahabad high court has suggested that the Uttar Pradesh govt introduce a software-based, QR code-enabled caste certification system for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).The court said a technology-driven verification mechanism would ensure greater transparency, eliminate arbitrary discretion by officials and help prevent the issuance of fraudulent caste certificates. “Such measures, if adopted, may also allow for proper audits and checks, as well as credible means to verify genuine certificates issued by authorities,” the HC noted.The observations were made by a division bench comprising Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Swarapama Chaturvedi while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the UP Koli Kori Pratinidhi Sabha.The petitioner organisation raised concerns over the alleged issuance of Scheduled Caste certificates to members of the ‘Koli’ caste, which is not recognised as an SC, by treating it as the phonetically similar ‘Kori’ caste, which is included in the list of Scheduled Castes.The petition stated that while the issuance of caste certificates is governed by the presidential order specifying recognised Scheduled Castes, local authorities have allegedly been issuing certificates to persons belonging to castes that merely sound similar or are spelt similarly.Although no one appeared on behalf of the petitioner to press the PIL during the hearing, the court heard Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal, who represented the state.The bench observed that the existing verification process vests excessive discretion in lower-level officials.“Prima facie, it appears that present-day technology enables the state to offer a robust and transparent software-based certification system for members of the SCs, STs and OBCs. This would do away with the unwanted and unbridled discretion currently left with the executing authorities, often not above the rank of Tehsildar, to issue doubtful or incorrect certificates,” the court observed.Following the observations, additional advocate general Manish Goyal sought time to obtain instructions from the authorities concerned.The bench, in its order dated July 2, directed that the matter be listed again on July 23.
