Bengaluru, Sep 23 (NationPress) The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, convened on Tuesday to examine petitions that sought an interim stay on the socio-economic and academic survey—often referred to as the caste census. The court requested the Karnataka government to clarify its intentions regarding the survey of seven crore residents in the state based on caste.

The bench has scheduled the matter for further hearing on Wednesday.

Community organizations, including the Akhila Bharata Brahmana Mahasabha and Vokkaliga Mahasabha, have filed a public interest litigation (PIL), requesting a halt to the caste census being conducted by the Backward Classes Commission, an entity operating independently under the Congress-led Karnataka administration.

The High Court pressed senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Karnataka government, to elucidate the distinction between a census and a survey.

In response to the petitioners' claims, Singhvi asserted that the current exercise is not a caste census but rather a socio-economic and academic survey.

He argued that the caste survey aligns with the state government's policy-making framework and is crucial for developing social welfare initiatives.

Singhvi cautioned that imposing an interim stay on the caste survey could yield long-term ramifications, noting that no precedent exists for such a stay order.

The objective of the survey is to compile statistics, emphasizing that without data, effective policy formulation is impractical.

He further contended that accepting the petitioners' argument—that only the Central government has the authority to conduct such surveys—would infringe upon state powers.

Singhvi highlighted that the state government previously established the Havanuru and Venkataswamy Commissions, asserting that such a viewpoint undermines the federal structure of the nation.

He deemed the assertion that only the Centre can conduct a census as misguided, as it would limit state authority.

The Karnataka government, he emphasized, must undertake a comprehensive survey to accurately identify backward classes.

“Post amendments to the Constitution, the state has been granted the authority to execute such surveys. A thorough survey is integral to the policy-making process,” Singhvi emphasized.

He stated that backward classes should not be overlooked “while residing in ivory towers.”

It is unreasonable to suggest that the Centre should exclusively conduct a survey, leaving the state sidelined.

Referencing Bihar, where a caste census has already taken place, Singhvi argued that Karnataka cannot indefinitely await a central census, as that would weaken state governance.

He affirmed that the State Legislature possesses the jurisdiction to conduct such surveys, asserting that caste categorization must be data-driven.

The results, he noted, could significantly affect appointments, promotions, and other critical issues.

In related developments, sources indicated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah delayed his visit to Bihar by a few hours, anticipating a court ruling on this matter.

Initially scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, he postponed his flight to 7:30 p.m. due to the case's significance.