India: PIL seeks change from 'Muslim' to 'Islam' in Census data

PIL seeks change from 'Muslim' to 'Islam' in Census data
Monday, February 10, 2014 - 06:00 IST | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA

DNA Correspondent

The Bombay high court on Friday directed the Union Government to file an affidavit in reply to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking correction on survey data forms of 2011-2012, which wrongly mentions 'Muslim' in the religion column instead of 'Islam'.

A division bench comprising Justices S J Vazifdar and B P Colabawala gave the order after hearing the PIL submitted by Aziz Pathan.

Pathan wanted the HC to direct the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development and Census to withdraw the data forms and circulate corrected forms and only then declare the survey report.

According to the petition, the data forms issued for the socio, economic and caste/religious survey for the year 2011-12 contained the word 'Muslim' in the religion column instead of Islam. And though the petitioner made representations to the government in this regard, it did not respond. He then approached the HC.

The HC has directed the Union Government to file its reply within two weeks.

source url: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-pil-seeks-change-from-muslim-to-islam-in-census-data-1960599