Bengaluru, Sept. 26 -- The Karnataka high court on Thursday declined to halt the state's ongoing socio-economic and educational survey, also known as the caste survey, even as it directed that participation must remain voluntary and all collected data be kept strictly confidential. A bench of chief justice Vibhu Bakhru and justice CM Joshi said they "do not find reason to interdict the ongoing survey". "We do not consider it apposite to interdict the process of survey. However, we direct that the data collected shall not be disclosed to any person. The State Backward Classes Commission shall ensure that the data collected is fully protected and kept confidential. We take on record the Commission's submission that participation in this surve...