Karnataka caste survey: Participation not mandatory, rules High Court

The Karnataka High Court has passed an interim order regarding the state's Socio-Economic and Education Survey, stating that "participation in the survey is not mandatory." The court directed the government to make a public announcement that participation is voluntary and surveyors cannot compel citizens to provide information. A key directive is that all collected data must be stored confidentially and be accessible only to the Commission for Backward Classes, which is required to submit an affidavit to this effect.