SC Calls for Reform of Caste-Linked Job Titles in Judiciary

Context

The Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning (CRP) has released a report urging the Indian judiciary to stop using caste-linked, feudal and colonial job titles in its administrative system. Former CJI B.R. Gavai endorsed the report and sent it to all High Courts, recommending urgent reform.

What the Issue Is? (Outdated Administrative Nomenclature in Courts)

1. Across Indian courts, many job titles still used in administrative records are deeply rooted in feudal, caste-based, and colonial hierarchies.
2. These terms are considered derogatory, violate constitutional values, and preserve a “grammar of inequality.”
3. Examples include:
   1. Halalkhor
   2. Scavenger
   3. Dhobi
   4. Malan
   5. Coolie
   6. Masalchi
   7. Bundle lifter
   8. Basta bardar
   9. Cycle sawar
   10. Chowkidar
4. These titles reflect occupation-based caste identities, which contradict the constitutional promise of dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.

Why Is Reform Needed? (The ‘Grammar of Inequality’)

1. The report explains that these terms create a “grammar of inequality”, referring to:
   1. Unwritten hierarchical norms inherited from:
      1. Feudal practices
      2. Colonial administration

• Caste-based occupational systems

1. These words normalise hierarchies, reducing individuals to job stereotypes.
2. Terms like halalkhor and scavenger directly violate constitutional prohibitions on caste-based discrimination.
3. Former CJI B.R. Gavai notes that using such terms has the “unintended effect of normalising outdated hierarchies” and harms a respectful workplace culture.

How the Supreme Court Responded?

1. Report published by the Supreme Court’s CRP:
   “Reforming administrative nomenclature in the Indian judiciary: Embedding dignity and equity in service rules.”
2. Former CJI Gavai’s endorsement:
   1. In his foreword, he emphasised aligning court language with constitutional values.
   2. Called the reform a “small but significant step” toward affirming dignity of all workers.
3. Report sent to all High Courts as one of CJI Gavai’s final actions before retirement.
4. The report urges courts to update official terminology and stop using caste-linked labels in recruitment rules, service books, and administrative files.
5. The CRP highlights that language is the first act of justice, because it shapes recognition, respect, and institutional culture.

List of Replaced Terms:

Implications for Judiciary and Society

1. Constitutional alignment
   1. Moves the judicial administrative system towards:
      1. Equality (Art 14)
      2. Non-discrimination (Art 15)

• Dignity (Art 21)

1. Abolition of untouchability (Art 17)

2. Symbolic justice
   1. Replaces words used historically to demean certain caste groups.
3. Institutional culture
   1. Promotes a workplace based on:
      1. Respect
      2. Dignity

• Inclusivity

4. Judiciary sets an example
   1. As the institution that interprets the Constitution, the judiciary must also practice what it preaches.
5. Modernisation
   1. Brings job designations in line with contemporary HR standards.

Challenges & Way Forward

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s push to reform caste-linked judicial job titles is a crucial symbolic and practical step toward aligning court administration with the Constitution’s vision of dignity, equality, and justice. Updating terminology may seem small, but it is foundational for transforming institutional culture and eliminating remnants of caste-based discrimination within the judiciary.