The Supreme Court delivered a major relief to the Kerala government by staying the Kerala High Court’s order that blocked the ‘Nava Kerala Survey’. Announced on Tuesday, this apex court intervention clears the path for the state to resume its comprehensive data-gathering exercise on welfare scheme performance.
Petitions from KSU leaders prompted the High Court’s action last week. The student outfit claimed the pre-election survey was nothing but a political stunt bankrolled by taxpayer funds. Deeming it unlawful, the High Court highlighted lapses in budgeting and financial sanctions for the program.
The state swiftly appealed to the Supreme Court. Kapil Sibal, arguing for Kerala, asserted the administration’s prerogative to gauge how effectively billions spent on welfare reach the intended recipients through data collection.
Accepting these submissions, the Supreme Court remarked that blocking surveys to evaluate high-cost schemes undermines governance. What harm is there in gathering information to check if public programs are achieving their goals? the bench probed.
It firmly stated that mere political objections do not justify curbing state functions. The court also issued a stern warning on excessive judicial meddling in administrative affairs without proven constitutional breaches.
Clearing the survey’s path forward, justices mandated a report from Kerala detailing the projected Rs 20 crore costs. Matter listed for further hearing on April 13.
As Kerala pushes ahead, this decision highlights the judiciary’s role in supporting evidence-based policymaking while safeguarding against misuse of public resources.