Showdown in Karnataka High Court over caste survey

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Karnataka High Court is challenging the state government's socio-economic and educational survey which commenced on Monday. Petitioners contend the exercise is a caste survey which the state has no authority to conduct, arguing it falls within the purview of the central government. A lawyer for the petitioners stated, "in the name of socio-economic and educational survey, the Karnataka government is doing a caste survey which is unconstitutional." The Karnataka government defends its power to conduct the count, stating it is necessary for the implementation of welfare schemes for backward classes. The hearing, part of multiple petitions filed against the survey, has led to a showdown in the court, posing a significant legal challenge to the exercise.