SC rejects PIL seeking removal of caste column from adm forms

New Delhi, Sep 17 (UNI) The Supreme Court today declined to entertain a PIL seeking direction to remove the caste column from admission forms in order to eliminate casteism from Indian society.

A bench comprising Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justices R V Raveendran and D K Jain told the 81-year-old petitioner Salem Velu Gandhi alias C Velu that his attempt was laudable but this court cannot issue such directions.

The Supreme Court while dismissing the petition explained the petitioner, who appeared in person, that such directions may create problems for those belonging to the reserved categories though the thought is noble and may help in eradicating the social evil of casteism from the Indian society.

Earlier, the petitioner contended before the court that no one should be compelled to disclose his or her caste as it creates unneccessary division and sometimes mutual hatred in the society.

UNI