In a potentially landmark development, the Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a crucial petition that questions whether a child raised solely by a mother belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category can rightfully claim OBC status, even in the absence of any caste certificate or information from the father’s side. The petition, which could redefine the contours of affirmative action in India, challenges the prevailing assumption that caste identity must be derived patrilineally, thereby excluding many children from marginalized backgrounds—especially those from single-mother households—from accessing constitutionally guaranteed benefits. The case brings into focus the rights of single mothers and their children in India’s complex caste-based reservation system and highlights a major gap in how government authorities verify and grant caste-based certificates. The petitioner, a child of a single OBC mother, argues that denying them OBC recognition violates fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and prohibit discrimination. The Court's decision to entertain the plea signals judicial recognition of evolving family structures and the pressing need to align administrative practices with contemporary realities. If the Supreme Court eventually rules in favor of the petitioner, it could establish a precedent ensuring that the identity and rights of children raised by single mothers—particularly those from historically disadvantaged communities—are no longer denied due to outdated procedural norms.