(MENAFN- Live Mint) Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, author Sudha Murty , have chosen not to participate in the ongoing Social and Educational Survey conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. Officials said that when enumerators visited their residence, the couple reportedly told them:“We don't want the survey conducted at our home.” They added that they do not belong to any backward community and therefore do not see the need to take part in a government exercise meant for such groups.

Did Sudha Murty submit any official statement?

Yes. According to an India Today report, Sudha Murty is said to have written and signed a statement on the survey form, declaring that the survey held no relevance or use for the government in their case. The couple also submitted a self-declaration letter opting out of the process.

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What did officials say about their decision?

Reacting to the couple's decision, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said,“We don't force anybody to participate in the survey. It's on a volunteer basis.”

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What did the Karnataka High Court say?

In an interim order, the Karnataka High Court directed the state government to publicly announce that the socio-economic and education survey is not mandatory.

The court also ruled that surveyors cannot insist on personal details from the residents.

All collected data must be kept confidential and accessible only to the Backward Classes Commission. The court noted that the survey's purpose is to provide benefits to backward classes and that collecting such information does not violate citizens' rights.

The Karnataka Cabinet on June 12 approved a fresh survey, effectively nullifying the 2015 exercise, citing Section 11(1) of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1995, which mandates a revision of the state backward classes list once every 10 years.

Several communities, notably Karnataka's two dominant groups-Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva-Lingayats-have expressed strong reservations about the 2015 survey, calling it“unscientific” and demanding a fresh enumeration. There were also opposing voices from within the ruling Congress party.

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