Kerala High Court Directs Centre To Act On 'Foreign Company's Survey With Suspicious Questions Targeting Religious Communities'

The Kerala High Court has directed the central government to take action on a contentious survey conducted by US-based Princeton Survey Research Associates (PSRA) in collaboration with Indian firm Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) India. Concerns about the survey’s potential impact on national security and inter-religious harmony have been raised.

The court, responding to a petition filed by TNS India, expressed alarm over the foreign firm's involvement in a survey that included "dubious" and sensitive questions, particularly those targeting religious communities. The court stressed that such surveys could disrupt the country’s secular fabric and emphasised the need for prior permission from the Centre before foreign entities conduct studies in India.

“It is surprising to see a foreign company conducting a survey with suspicious questions in our country. India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic,” the court remarked, warning against surveys that could undermine national unity.

The survey, conducted across 54 locations in India, included controversial questions, especially in Thiruvananthapuram, which triggered tensions within the Muslim community. Complaints led Kerala Police to file a case under IPC Sections 153B(1)(c) (statements promoting disharmony) and 34 (acts involving multiple persons for a common purpose).

Investigations revealed concerns that the survey could provoke emotional conflict among religious groups and disrupt communal harmony. While PSRA claimed the survey aimed to understand the traditions, values, and attitudes of Indian communities, police investigations suggested a more concerning motive—potentially creating discord among religious communities, particularly Muslims.

The court found the state police investigation insufficient and ordered the report to be submitted to the Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs within a month for further action.

TNS India, which moved to the court to quash the case, argued that the survey was intended for socio-political research. However, the court maintained that the potential risks to national security and inter-religious harmony warranted closer scrutiny.