Supreme Court Clears Way for Caste Enumeration in Census

The Supreme Court of India has given a green signal to caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, dismissing a petition that challenged the move. The court observed that collecting caste-based data is essential for effective implementation of welfare schemes and inclusive governance.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that understanding the population of backward communities is necessary for comprehensive development. The court further clarified that caste census is a policy decision of the government, and judicial interference is not warranted in such administrative matters.