The petitioners argued that there was no need to mention caste discrimination as it would be covered under the general definition of ‘Discrimination’, “which includes all forms of discriminatory treatment, including caste”. A separate mention of caste discrimination is necessary in addition to its inclusion in the general definition of discrimination. Discrimination thus relates to social groups such as caste, tribe, race, colour or gender and not to an individual. At the same time, discrimination may differ among social groups with respect to the source and the nature of discrimination. This implies that the argument by the petitioner that caste discrimination of SC/ST/OBC should not be mentioned separately is not sustainable.

Source: The Telegraph February 06, 2026 02:00 UTC