Item 5 in Sikh Rehat Maryada

Equality and rejection of caste

Reject caste superiority and recognise equal human dignity.

Position
5
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Sikhs and Sikh institutions
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Equality and rejection of caste

Source wording

Reject caste superiority and recognise equal human dignity.

Translation

Broader interpretation

Reject caste superiority and recognise equal human dignity.

Practical meaning

Reject caste superiority and recognise equal human dignity.

Ethical purpose

This principle is intended to guide conduct, character and relationships in accordance with the parent framework.

Variations across schools or traditions

Interpretation and application may vary across communities, translations and individual circumstances.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle should be applied with attention to evidence, consent, equality, power, foreseeable harm and realistic alternatives.

Truth By Reason analysis

Reject caste superiority and recognise equal human dignity. Its ethical force depends on whether its application reduces avoidable harm and respects equal human dignity.

Ethical themes

  • Justice
  • Human dignity

Sources