Imagine filling out a government form that forces you to choose an identity you don't believe in. That's the reality for millions of Indians who don't identify with any caste or religion—and a national lawyers' association says it's time for change.

Key facts

  • IAPL proposes "No Caste, No Religion" (NRNC) category for Census 2027
  • Telangana's 2024 survey showed 3.4% population (11.96 lakh) chose NRNC
  • Caste enumeration returns in 2027 after being paused since 1951

Why This Matters Now

The Indian Association of People's Lawyers made its case Sunday, pointing to a fundamental gap in how the country counts its people. For centuries, they note, Indians have existed outside traditional caste and religious frameworks—yet official documents persistently assign them identities they reject.

This isn't just about philosophical preference. The absence of an NRNC option creates practical headaches at every turn: birth registration, school admissions, government paperwork. You're constantly being shoved into boxes that don't fit.

A Precedent Exists

Telangana's government already blazed this trail. Following a High Court order, their 2024 comprehensive caste survey included the NRNC option—and the results surprised many. Nearly 12 lakh people, representing 3.4% of the state's population, selected it.

The lawyers' group highlights how the census has evolved before. Disability questions arrived in 2001; transgender identity recognition came in 2011. The system can adapt when there's willingness.

The Bigger Picture

Caste enumeration itself returns in 2027 after a 76-year hiatus—only Scheduled Castes and Tribes were officially counted since 1951. This revival follows intense public demand, showing how deeply identity questions resonate across India.

The IAPL's push reflects a growing awareness that identity isn't binary. For the census to truly capture India's complexity, it might need to make room for those who choose to stand outside traditional categories.