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Caste Aside? Names, Networks and Justice in the Courts of Bihar, India

Author

Listed:
  • Bhupatiraju Sandeep

    (World Bank Group)

  • Chen Daniel L.

    (TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Shareen Joshi

    (GU - Georgetown University [Washington])

  • Neis Peter

    (CERDI - Centre d'Études et de Recherches sur le Développement International - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UCA - Université Clermont Auvergne)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of social identity on judicial processes and outcomes at the Patna High Court over a decade (2009 to 2019). We employ machine learning algorithms to infer caste status from surnames (names) in court records. We note that a majority of court participants have ‘caste-neutral' names. Though we find no evidence of name-based ‘matching' between litigants and judges, caste-neutral petitioners are 3.3% more likely to choose a caste-neutral advocate. Matching, whether intentional or coincidental, yields notable consequences. Litigants with caste-neutral names who matched with similar judges face a higher likelihood of case dismissal and lower success rates in overturning appeals. However, advocates with caste-neutral names experience less disadvantage in these scenarios. Notably, the adoption of caste-neutral names, while offering some protection, does not fully mitigate the vulnerabilities faced by citizens within India's judicial institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhupatiraju Sandeep & Chen Daniel L. & Shareen Joshi & Neis Peter, 2024. "Caste Aside? Names, Networks and Justice in the Courts of Bihar, India," Post-Print hal-04752281, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04752281
    DOI: 10.62355/ejels.23821
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04752281v1
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