'Relevant Issue' : Supreme Court Asks Centre To Examine Concerns Over Self-Verification Of Caste In Census 2027

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Union Government and the Census Operations Directorate to consider the suggestion raised by a petitioner that caste enumeration in the forthcoming Census 2027 should be done based on a verifiable mechanism instead of mere self-declaration.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, acknowledging that the petitioner has raised a "relevant issue", refrained from considering the matter judicially, observing that it was to be looked at by the authorities under the Census Act 1958.

The Public Interest Litigation was filed by Aakash Goel, raising concerns over the proposed caste enumeration in the forthcoming Census 2027, particularly the reliance on self-declaration without a verifiable mechanism.

Appearing for the petitioner, counsel clarified that there was no opposition to a caste census as such, but submitted that the exercise should not be based merely on self-declaration. Counsel argued that caste data would be long-lasting in nature and its collection without verification could be hazardous. It was pointed out that following the filing of the petition, a notification had been issued permitting self-declaration alone.

Counsel further submitted that the caste census would entail an expenditure of over ₹13,500 crore and would have a direct bearing on welfare schemes. It was argued that absence of transparency in methodology could adversely impact policy decisions based on such data.

Responding to the submissions, Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the manner in which the census is to be conducted is a matter for the State to decide, and asked any representation had been made to the authorities. The counsel replied that the writ petition was filed after a notification was issued allowing self-declaration.

The bench, in its order, recorded the petitioner's grievance that no guidelines, questionnaire, or transparent methodology had been placed in the public domain regarding how caste data would be recorded and classified.

The Court also took note of the petitioner's contention that no criteria had been disclosed for identifying caste identities, especially in light of the fact that caste enumeration was extending beyond the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, with Other Backward Classes being included in the census exercise for the first time.

Observing that the census exercise is regulated by the Census Act, 1958 and the rules framed thereunder, the Court noted that the statute empowers the authorities to determine the manner of conducting the census.

"There is no reason to doubt that the respondent authorities, with the aid and assistance of the domain experts, must have evolved a robust mechanism in order to rule out a mistake, as apprehended by the petitioner for several like minded persons. Nevertheless, the petitioner has flagged some relevant issues," the bench observed.

The Court deemed it appropriate to dispose of the writ petition with a direction to the respondents to consider the suggestions and issues raised by or on behalf of the petitioner.

The Court further observed that, if so advised, the petitioner may forward a copy of the writ petition to the authorities as a supplementary representation.

Case : AAKASH GOEL Vs UNION OF INDIA | W.P.(C) No. 77/2026