Caste Certificate Can Now Follow the Mother's Native Place Too

The Madras High Court has clarified that a caste certificate can be issued to a child based on the mother’s native place, not just the father’s. If the mother holds a valid community certificate and supporting documents are verified as genuine, officials cannot reject the application, the court ruled. The order came after petitioners challenged the Puducherry government’s approach of recognising only paternal lineage - certificates were issued on August 6 following the court’s intervention.