Approach police, HC tells dalit ‘groom’ wanting to ride a horse

ALLAHABAD: While declining to interfere in a dalit man plea to allow him to ride a horse on his wedding day, the Allahabad High Court has said it will be proper if he approaches the police authorities or local court for the same.

In his petition, Sanjay Kumar of district Kasganj alleged that he wanted to ride a horse as part of his baraat but some persons belonging to higher caste were not permitting him to do so.

While declining to interfere in the matter, a division bench comprising justice Ran Vijay Singh and justice Shashi Kant said the petitioner should lodge an FIR and in case of inaction on part of the police, he could register a case at the local court.

According to the petitioner, he is to get married with one Sheetal of Nizampur village in Kasganj.

But as no dalit groom is permitted to ride a horse in the marriage procession as per local custom of Nizampur, those belonging to the higher castes of the village disapproved of his plans, the petition said.

He further contended that he had approached local administration for help, but the authorities concerned declined to provide any help calling it a law and order problem.

IN HIS PETITION, SANJAY KUMAR OF DISTRICT KASGANJ ALLEGED THAT HE WANTED TO RIDE A HORSE AS PART OF HIS BARAAT BUT SOME PERSONS OF THE HIGHER CASTE WERE NOT PERMITTING HIM TO DO SO