The Karnataka High Court did not stay the caste-based survey. The court stated that participation would be voluntary and data security must be ensured. The next hearing will be on December 2, 2025.
Karnataka: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday, September 25, 2025, refused to stay the caste-based social and educational survey. This survey is being conducted by the State Backward Classes Commission. The central government had argued in court that this survey was effectively being carried out under the guise of a census and encroached upon its jurisdiction. However, while the court did not impose an immediate stay, it issued directives to ensure security and privacy.
Court Directed Voluntary Participation
A division bench of the Karnataka High Court, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C. M. Joshi, stated that there is no legal impediment to continuing the survey, but citizens must be explicitly informed that participation is voluntary. The court further directed that enumerators should not pressure or attempt to persuade any individual to participate. The objective of this directive is to ensure the privacy of citizens and the security of sensitive information.
Privacy and Data Protection
The court specifically stated that the confidentiality of data collected during the survey must be maintained. No individual's data should be made public, and it should only be used for the predetermined purpose. The court also directed the Backward Classes Commission to ensure that the data remains fully secure and that citizens' personal information is not disclosed.
Issues Raised in Petitions
Petitions challenging the legality of this survey argued that the process is primarily a census and could lead to a violation of citizens' privacy. The petitioners include the State Vokkaliga Sangha, members of the Vokkaliga community, former president of the Bengaluru Advocates' Association K. N. Subba Reddy, members of the Lingayat community, and the Akhila Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha.
Assurance from the State
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the state government, assured the court that adequate safety measures are in place for the survey. He also informed the court that an affidavit could be offered in this matter if necessary. Furthermore, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for the state government, and Senior Advocate Ravi Varma Kumar represented the Backward Classes Commission.
Court Allowed Submission of Written Arguments
The Karnataka High Court has allowed all parties to submit additional written arguments in the coming weeks. The court has scheduled the next hearing for the case on December 2, 2025.
