India

Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Demanding Caste-Based Census

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a direction for the Centre to conduct a caste-based census for the welfare of marginalized and backward sections of society.

Court Declines to Intervene

A bench led by Justice Hrishikesh Roy, with Justice SVN Bhatti, stated that the issues raised in the PIL fall under the domain of policy and governance. The bench remarked, “We are not issuing a notice here. Whether it is to be conducted now or after six months is essentially a matter of governance.”

The bench further added, “We will dismiss this petition. The issues raised are in the domain of policy. If you want to withdraw, withdraw it. Otherwise, we will pass a dismissal order.”

The petitioner’s counsel eventually chose to withdraw the PIL. The counsel had initially indicated that an identical matter would be heard on September 9 before the Supreme Court.

PIL’s Demands and Concerns

The PIL had requested an expeditious enumeration of data for the 2024 census and the implementation of a Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) to facilitate welfare measures. The petition argued that an SECC would help identify disadvantaged groups, ensure fair resource distribution, and monitor targeted policies. Accurate data on backward and marginalized sections is deemed crucial for achieving social justice and constitutional objectives, according to the plea.

Also Read: CBI Expands Investigation; Scrutinizes Adjacent Rooms At RG Kar Medical College

The petition highlighted that the SECC conducted in 2011 aimed to collect comprehensive socio-economic data, including caste information. However, concerns over data quality and classification issues have prevented the release and effective use of the raw caste data. An Expert Group was formed to address these concerns, but its recommendations remain unreleased by the Union Government.

The plea also referred to Article 340 of the Constitution. The article mandates the appointment of a commission to investigate socially and educationally backward classes.

Further, the petition noted that the Census-2021 enumeration has not been conducted. Initially delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the process has been postponed repeatedly. The last census was conducted in 2011, creating a significant data gap, the PIL stated.

The PIL argued that the census is not just a tracker of population growth but also provides essential socio-economic data for policy-making, economic planning, and administrative purposes.

Shibra Arshad

Recent Posts

All Eyes On Prayagraj; Grand Procession To Mark The Start Of Kumbh Mahaparv

Prayagraj will host the Kumbh Mahaparv entry and consecration ceremony on Sunday, marking the gathering's…

3 hours ago

Rahul And Priyanka Gandhi To Campaign Together In Wayanad For Congress By-Election Push

The bypoll was triggered after Rahul Gandhi chose to retain Raebareli over Wayanad. Rahul had…

4 hours ago

198 Killed, 111 Injured In Terrorist Attacks Across Pakistan In October

The casualties included 89 militants, 62 security personnel, and 38 civilians, while 56 civilians, 44…

5 hours ago

Prayagraj Gears Up For Mahakumbh 2025 With Accelerated Infrastructure Projects

The PDA expects to complete the Hanuman Temple Corridor, a major Mahakumbh attraction, by December…

6 hours ago

Rajnath Singh Lauds India’s Aatmanirbhar Progress, Sets Rs 50,000 Crore Defence Export Target By 2030

Singh highlighted the critical role of technology in modern defence, noting that warfare now relies…

7 hours ago

Jaishankar Highlights India’s Growing Global Role, Navigates Friendships In Multipolar World

Jaishankar described India’s diplomatic approach as that of a ‘Vishwamitra’—a friend to all. This stance,…

8 hours ago