HC Issues Notice on PILs Against Karnataka Caste Survey

Quick Summary

• The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to the State and Central governments on PIL petitions challenging the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey set to begin on September 22,2025.
• A division bench of Justices Anu Sivaraman and Rajesh Rai. K passed the order based on petitions filed by Rajya Vokkaliga Sangha, Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Maha Sabha, advocate K.N. Subba Reddy,among others.
• Petitioners argue that the survey amounts to a ‘caste census,’ which falls under Union Government jurisdiction as per constitutional provisions.
• Concerns raised include:

– Replication of a flawed 2015 survey marred by irregularities and missing records.
– An unscientific timeline of completing enumeration for seven crore individuals within 15 days versus longer durations for Union census exercises.

• Notices were also issued to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of india regarding these concerns.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The legal challenge against Karnataka’s Socio-Economic and Educational Survey underscores key constitutional questions about jurisdiction over caste-based data collection. while state-level efforts aim at better-targeted social welfare initiatives, critics highlight procedural flaws such as rushed timelines, potential inaccuracies, and lack of legislative competence. If unresolved, this matter could impact broader federal-state relations in policy execution. Additionally, controversies surrounding caste-related surveys risk deepening socio-political sensitivities unless conducted transparently with public trust ensured.

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