Bengaluru, Sept. 25 -- The Karnataka High Court today refused petitions seeking to halt the state government's ongoing socio-economic survey, underscoring that participation is entirely voluntary and that all information collected must be strictly protected.
The ruling comes amid concerns over privacy and the proper handling of personal data.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi directed the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission to issue a public notification clarifying that citizens are under no obligation to provide information.
Enumerators must communicate this clearly at the outset of the survey, ensuring that no one is coerced into participating.
The petitions challenged the government o...