Supreme Court Steps In: Bihar Caste Survey Deadline Extension in the Spotlight

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a crucial petition filed by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and several other opposition parties, seeking an extension of the deadline for filing claims and objections related to the recently concluded Bihar Caste-based Survey.

The eagerly anticipated survey, which aims to collect comprehensive data on the state's socio-economic landscape based on caste, had set a stringent deadline for residents to raise any concerns.

With the data having been made public, a critical window was provided for the public to submit their suggestions and objections.

However, prominent political entities, including the RJD, Congress, CPI(M), CPI, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), voiced strong concerns that the allocated time was insufficient for a thorough review and for citizens to adequately file their grievances.

They argued that the compressed timeline jeopardized the very essence of transparency and public participation in such a monumental exercise.

The plea, brought before a bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, specifically requests that the deadline, originally set for September 11, be pushed back to September 15.

The petitioners emphasize the need for a more reasonable timeframe, allowing countless individuals across Bihar the opportunity to scrutinize the survey findings and register their feedback effectively.

This intervention by the Supreme Court comes against the backdrop of earlier legal proceedings, including a nod from the Patna High Court which initially cleared the way for the survey's continuation, an order subsequently challenged in the apex court.

The present hearing will delve into the procedural aspects concerning public engagement with the survey results.

The extended deadline, if granted, is seen as vital for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the survey data, providing a fairer chance for all stakeholders to contribute. It reflects a broader demand for democratic accountability and the meticulous handling of data that holds profound implications for policy-making and social justice initiatives in Bihar.

The Supreme Court's decision to hear this matter underscores the critical importance attached to the Bihar Caste-based Survey and the imperative of ensuring due process and ample public participation.

The outcome of this hearing will undoubtedly shape the future course of this landmark initiative.