Hyderabad(July, 20) : The Telangana High Court has made a significant ruling, directing the state government to incorporate two new columns, ‘no caste’ and ‘no religion,’ in the online applications for birth certificates. This decision came in response to a writ petition filed by parents seeking recognition for not specifying religion or caste in the birth certificates of their children.
The court emphasized that every citizen has the constitutional right, as per Article 25, to exercise freedom of religion, which includes the freedom to not practice any religion or caste. In light of this fundamental right, the court directed the principal secretary of the education department and the commissioner of municipal administration to ensure the inclusion of these additional columns in the birth certificate application process, allowing individuals to choose ‘no caste’ or ‘no religion’ as their preference. This ruling is seen as a progressive step towards promoting individual freedom of conscience and upholding the principles of equality and inclusivity.
