Children of Single OBC Mothers Entitled to Caste Certificates: Centre Tells Supreme Court

The Central Government informed the Supreme Court that children of single mothers belonging to Other Backwards Classes (OBC) are entitled to caste certificates, regardless of marital status.

The response came in a PIL filed by Santosh Kumari, a retired MCD teacher, challenging Delhi’s policy that allows OBC certificates only through paternal lineage.

The Centre cited Entry 41, List II, and Article 342A(3) of the Constitution, affirming that states have exclusive authority to identify OBCs.

Citing Rameshbhai Dabhai Naika v. State of Gujarat (2012),the centre emphasised that caste recognition is based on upbringing and socio-educational criteria, not just lineage. The Court listed the matter for July 22.