Plea in HC alleges caste discrimination at Alappuzha collectorate

Kochi: T Ranjith, a chaukidar (OA) at the control room of Alappuzha collectorate, has moved HC challenging the maintenance of a separate attendance register for certain employees, which he alleges amounts to untouchability.The bench of Justice Harishankar V Menon observed that the allegations were serious and directed the state govt to file a statement or affidavit in response. The petition has been adjourned to May 26.Ranjith, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC) community, stated that he and another SC employee were instructed by the collectorate's Huzur Sheristadar and the district police complaint authority secretary not to sign the main attendance register. Instead, they were directed to mark their attendance in a separate register, along with part-time cleaning and sweeping staff.Ranjith further alleged that when he questioned this, the superior officer made a casteist remark. Though a criminal case was registered against the said officer based on his complaint, no effective legal action was taken, he added.