Identifying People by Race, Caste or Region is Regressive: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court observed that identifying individuals based on race, region, sex, or caste amounts to “treading a regressive path,” stressing the constitutional commitment to equality.

The Court was hearing a plea highlighting delays in trials of racial discrimination cases, particularly involving individuals from the North-East.

Noting that even cases with completed investigations and filed charge sheets remain pending for years, the Court emphasised the need for urgent systemic reform.

It requested the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court to frame a holistic policy ensuring time-bound trials and prioritised adjudication of such sensitive matters to secure timely justice.