Marginalised groups often exhibit lower trust in institutions such as the police and courts. In hierarchical societies like India, such disparities between caste groups can heighten social discrimination, including untouchability. Using India Human Development Survey–II (IHDS-II) data, this study examines how Pradhan seat reservation for lower castes interacts with the caste bias of confidence in police to shape untouchability experiences. Findings show that in reserved villages, a pronounced inter-caste confidence gap in the police corresponds to higher reports of untouchability among lower-caste households. Revealing that while reservations aim at empowerment, unequal institutional trust may intensify discrimination. Bridging this gap is vital to safeguard the intensions of affirmative action.
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