Karnataka State government informs the High Court that participation in the socio-economic and educational survey is voluntaryBengaluruThe Karnataka High Court on Tuesday heard petitions challenging the State’s approval to conduct a survey on the social and educational status of citizens under the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the State, clarified that the exercise is a socio-economic and educational survey, not a caste survey as claimed by petitioners, and emphasized that participation is voluntary. They argued that the survey could lead to data duplication, misuse, and privacy violations. Senior Advocate Ashok Haranahalli highlighted the risk of digital data leaks and emphasized that informational privacy must be protected. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi, adjourned the matter for further hearing today, leaving the status of the survey pending.