Infosys boss Narayana Murthy withdraws Sudha Murthy from caste survey, says 'not backwards'

Infosys founders Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty opted out of Karnataka’s caste survey, stating that they do not belong to any backward community. Officials confirmed participation is voluntary and not mandatory. Infosys founders Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty. Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, writer Sudha Murty, have chosen not to participate in the ongoing social and educational survey conducted by the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission. Officials said that when enumerators visited their residence, the couple reportedly told them, “We don’t want the survey done at our home.” They added that they do not belong to any backward community and therefore do not see the need to participate in a government exercise meant for such groups. Has Sudha Murty filed any official statement? Yes, according to a report by India Today, Sudha Murty is said to have written and signed a statement on the survey form, stating that the survey has no relevance or use to the government in their case. The couple also submitted a self-declaration letter opting out of the process. What did officials say about their decision? Reacting to the couple’s decision, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, “We are not forcing anyone to participate in the survey. It is on a voluntary basis.” What did the Karnataka High Court say? The Karnataka High Court in an interim order 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 details of residents. All data collected must be kept confidential and accessible only to the Backward Classes Commission. The court observed that the purpose of the survey is to provide benefits to backward classes and that the collection of such information does not violate citizens’ rights.