The Supreme Court has directed the Patna High Court to decide on merits a petition seeking stay on the ongoing caste census in Bihar.
The Bench of Justice MR Shah and Justice JB Pardiwala on Friday, while noting that casteism was rampant in every field in Bihar, be it bureaucracy, service or politics, refused to grant any interim relief in the matter.
The petitioner had moved the Apex Court after the High Court denied interim relief in the matter.
The Bench observed that the High Court ought to have heard the matter on merits before deciding on whether or not to grant interim relief. It directed that a Division Bench of the High Court should hear the matter expeditiously.
Noting that it was not saying anything on merits, the Bench directed the High Court to ‘take a call’ on the same.
A petition was moved by Youth for Equality, an organisation working against caste-based policies and reservations.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the organisation, argued that it was a serious matter, and that the survey for a caste census was being done in view of elections.
He added that casteism was extremely rampant in the State of Bihar.
The counsel for Bihar pointed out that multiple petitions were being filed against the government’s decision.
However, Justice Pardiwala asked the State counsel why it was acting with such haste in conducting this survey.