Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Against Caste Enumeration in Census

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea challenging the Union Government’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming Census, observing that the issue falls within the policy domain of the government and is necessary for framing welfare measures for backward classes.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Sudhakar Gummula, who appeared before the Court in person.

The petitioner argued that the collection of caste-related data could be misused if accessed by politicians or corporate entities. It was contended that there was no need for caste enumeration as the government already possesses sufficient data regarding different communities.

However, the Bench refused to interfere with the government’s decision and stated that such matters are part of executive policy. During the hearing, the Chief Justice observed that the government must know the number of persons belonging to backward classes in order to formulate welfare schemes and assess the kind of measures required for their upliftment.

“What is wrong with it? Any day’s Government must know how many people are backward class and what kind of welfare measures are to be taken for them. It is within the policy domain,” the CJI remarked while rejecting the petitioner’s objections.

The Court ultimately dismissed the petition, reiterating that caste enumeration in the Census is a policy decision of the Union Government and does not warrant judicial interference.

The matter was registered as Sudhakar Gummula v. Union of India (Diary No. 50275/2025).