Karnataka High Court Allows Caste Survey to Continue, Orders Voluntary Participation and Data Confidentiality

The Karnataka High Court, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi, refused to stay the State’s socio-economic and educational survey (caste survey) but mandated that participation must be voluntary and that data collected remain confidential.

The Court ordered the Commission to notify enumerators to inform participants about the voluntary nature of the survey and barred any coercion for participation.

Petitioners challenged the survey as a census disguised to intrude on privacy, but the State assured adequate safeguards.

The Court allowed further submissions while permitting the survey to continue with these protections.

[Rajya Vokkaliga Sangha v. Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission and Ors]