The Kerala High Court ruled that the appointment of santhis (temple priests) cannot be restricted to a specific caste or ancestry. Such caste-based or lineage restrictions do not qualify as essential religious practices under the Constitution of India.
Today, On 17th October, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing on petitions challenging the Patna High Court’s ruling that upheld Bihar’s caste-based survey legality. The hearing will now occur on November 7, 2024. The survey aims to collect socio-economic data to support targeted welfare schemes in the state.
Today, 16th April, The Bihar state government defended its caste census initiative in a recent Supreme Court affidavit, aiming to understand socio-economic conditions for marginalized communities and to enhance policies for disadvantaged groups. The government emphasized adherence to constitutional mandates and outlined various initiatives based on the survey report’s findings, such as quota benefits and educational support.