Patna HC Upholds Caste Survey In Bihar, Petitioners To Now Appeal In SC

The Bihar caste survey, which was halted in May after an interim stay by the Patna High Court as it faced petitions challenging its validity, was upheld by the court on Tuesday (August 1).

The court dismissed the petitions, allowing the state government to resume the survey.

Dinu Kumar, the lawyer representing the petitioners, expressed their intention to take the matter to the Supreme Court for further consideration.

Following the dismissal of the petitions by the Patna HC, the state government has been given the green light to proceed with the caste survey. Despite the setback, the petitioners remain determined to seek justice and will be taking their case to the Supreme Court.

Dinu Kumar, the lawyer representing the petitioners in the caste survey case, expressed disappointment over the court's decision to dismiss their petition. However, he remains optimistic about their chances in the Supreme Court and plans to challenge the order issued by the Patna High Court.

The caste survey, which had commenced on January 7, faced an unexpected halt during its second phase on May 4, just 11 days before its scheduled completion. This interruption raised concerns and led to petitions being filed in the Patna HC, resulting in an interim stay on the survey.

Political parties have praised the verdict, expressing their satisfaction with the court's decision.

The ruling JD(U)'s spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, highlighted that those who opposed the caste survey have been given a strong response through the verdict. He also commended the Bihar CM for leading by example and deciding to conduct the socio-economic survey.

The BJP, which is in the Opposition in the state, also supported the caste survey along with all 10 Bihar parties.

BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand emphasized that they were part of the unanimous resolution passed in the Assembly on two occasions. This demonstrates the widespread agreement among political parties regarding the importance of the survey, he added.

Mrityunjay Tiwari from the RJD stated that the survey would greatly assist the state government in formulating policies more effectively. The survey's findings will provide valuable insights that can contribute to the development and improvement of policies and initiatives in Bihar, he emphasized.

In an interim order on May 4, the High Court expressed its view that the petitioners had presented a strong case against the ongoing caste-based survey being conducted by the State of Bihar. The court had highlighted concerns regarding data integrity and security, which it believed needed to be further addressed by the State.

Additionally, the court had stated that the form of the survey, resembling a census, exceeded the State's authority and encroached upon the legislative power of the Union Parliament.