header-logo header-logo

Caste: invisible discrimination?

09 March 2007 / Annapurna Waughray
Issue: 7263 / Categories: Features , Public , Human rights
printer mail-detail

Caste-based discrimination is a reality in the UK. Annapurna Waughray investigates

Caste discrimination is a new concept to most UK lawyers although English courts, including the Privy Council, have faced questions relating to this issue—particularly in family and immigration cases—for many years (see R v Sabharwal [1973] WL 40695; Suntharalingham v Inspector of Police, Kankesanturai [1972] AC 370, [1973] 3 WLR 896).

Caste-based discrimination affects some 270m people worldwide. Although commonly associated with south Asia, caste-type systems and discrimination on the basis of caste status exist throughout the world; a high proportion of reported UK Immigration Appeal Tribunal cases concerning ‘risk of return’ on grounds of caste relate to Somalia or the Yemen.

Moreover, caste discrimination has been exported to diaspora communities where, for many, caste has been a long-term, if hidden, reality. A report, No Escape: Caste Discrimination in the UK published in July 2006 by the Dalit Solidarity Network UK (DSN), a London-based non-governmental organisation, documents the extent of discrimination on grounds of caste among the south Asian community in the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll