New Delhi, May 20 (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition challenging the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the upcoming census, stating that it is a policy matter within the domain of the government and does not warrant judicial interference.

The petition had sought directions to exclude caste-based data collection in the forthcoming census, arguing that such information could be misused. The plea was filed by petitioner Sudhakar Gumula.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed during the hearing that it is essential for the government to have accurate data on backward communities in order to design and implement welfare schemes effectively.

The Court held that whether or not caste should be included in the census is entirely a policy decision of the government, and the judiciary need not intervene in such matters. Accordingly, the public interest litigation was dismissed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar