‘Where does this abusive language come from?’ CJI rebukes petitioner seeking halt on caste census in court
Supreme Court rejects a petition seeking to halt the caste census, with CJI Surya Kant criticizing the language used and refusing to hear the plea.
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking a stay on the caste census and strongly criticized the petitioner for the language used in the plea. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant objected to the drafting style and wording of the petition, expressing sharp displeasure in the courtroom and refusing to entertain the matter.
CJI objects to language used in petition
The matter came up before a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi. The petition, filed by Chirag Harivandan Modi, requested directions to the central government to stop the caste census. It also included a demand to frame a policy providing economic benefits to families with only one child.
During the hearing, the CJI expressed strong disapproval of the language used in the petition. He questioned where such inappropriate wording was learned from and criticized the manner in which the plea was drafted. The court declined to hear the petition due to its tone and content.
Caste census to be conducted in second phase
The issue of caste census has recently gained attention across the country. Earlier this year, in January, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the national census will be conducted in two phases, with the caste census to be included in the second phase.
According to the plan, the first phase will involve house listing and enumeration. On January 22, the government released a notification detailing 33 questions to be asked during this phase. These include information on household assets, number of married couples, gender of the head of the family, access to basic amenities, and types of vehicles owned.
Court refuses to hear 25 PILs filed together
In another development on Friday, the Supreme Court declined to hear 25 public interest litigations filed together by advocate Sachin Gupta. These petitions included demands such as framing policies on gun usage and creating awareness programs on legal issues through television.
The CJI advised the lawyer to focus on his professional responsibilities and work towards raising awareness and addressing real social issues. Following the court’s remarks, the lawyer requested permission to withdraw all the petitions, which was accepted by the court.