The petition specifically sought the exclusion of caste data collection from the upcoming Census 2027, arguing that such enumeration could lead to misuse by various agencies and trigger social and political complications. The petitioner, Sudhakar Gummula, appearing in person, contended before the Court that there is no justification for collecting extensive caste-related data, warning that political and corporate entities could potentially misuse such information.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi heard the matter. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice observed that the government must have accurate data regarding the population of backward communities to effectively design and implement welfare measures. The Court noted that determining whether caste-based enumeration should form part of the census is fundamentally a policy decision that lies exclusively within the executive domain.
Reiterating the limited scope of judicial review in such matters, the Chief Justice stated that the Court cannot determine whether caste enumeration should or should not be included in the census exercise. The Bench emphasized that the issue relates to administrative and policy considerations that are beyond judicial intervention.
The petitioner’s argument centered on the alleged risks of misuse of caste data, but the Court found no sufficient grounds to interfere with the government’s decision-making authority. Observing that the State may legitimately require such data to assess the composition and extent of socially and educationally backward groups, the Bench held that the concerns raised did not justify judicial restraint over a policy issue.
Concluding the hearing, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition, stating that no case for intervention had been made out and reaffirming that the matter pertains exclusively to governmental policy considerations.
The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s position that decisions relating to census design and demographic enumeration fall within the executive’s domain, particularly when linked to welfare planning and social policy formulation.
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