SC to hear PIL against Bihar govt's move to conduct caste survey

Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear January 20 a plea against Bihar government's decision to conduct a caste census in state. A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha posted matter for hearing after advocate Barun Kumar Sinha appearing for petitioner mentioned matter.

apex court ted that a similar matter had been posted for hearing on January 20. top court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to restrain authorities from conducting caste survey in state.

petitioner, Akhilesh Kumar, has sought quashing of tification dated June 6, 2022, issued by Bihar government to conduct a caste survey in state. plea contended that subject of census falls in List 1 of 7th Schedule of Constitution and only Centre has power to hold exercise.

PIL has alleged that tification violated Article 14 of Constitution which provides for equality before law and equal protection under law, adding that tification was illegal, arbitrary, irrational, and unconstitutional.

"If proclaimed purpose of caste-based survey is to accommodate people of State suffering caste persecution, distinction on basis of caste and country of origin is irrational and unjustified.

"ne of se distinctions corresponds with ostensible purpose of law," petition said.