Supreme Court strikes down SC status for religious converts: Immediate revocation

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a significant and important decision regarding Scheduled Caste (SC) status and religious conversion. In its decision, the Supreme Court stated unequivocally that if a person converts to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, they can no longer be considered a member of a Scheduled Caste. This significant decision by the Supreme Court will directly impact those who continue to enjoy government benefits and reservations despite conversion.

The status benefit will end with immediate effect

A Supreme Court bench of Justices P.K. Mishra and N.V. Anjaria delivered this stern verdict while hearing the case. The bench clarified that as soon as a person converts to another religion, their Scheduled Caste status is immediately and completely lost. According to the court, such a person cannot claim any benefits or rights as a Scheduled Caste in the future.

The court cited the 1950 order

Explaining the basis for this strict decision, the Supreme Court stated that this had already been clearly stated in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. The Court clarified that adopting any religion other than the religions specified in Clause 3 of the 1950 Order (Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist) immediately forfeits SC status, regardless of the status of birth. The Court strongly stated that no person can simultaneously profess any other religion and claim membership of a Scheduled Caste. There are no exceptions to this rule, and a person who converts cannot avail of reservation or statutory benefits under any law made by Parliament or a State Legislature.

Andhra Pradesh High Court's decision has been approved

This entire controversy stems from a decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court that was challenged. The Supreme Court has upheld an earlier Andhra Pradesh High Court ruling that held that individuals who convert to Christianity and actively practice that religion cannot retain their Scheduled Caste (SC) status. With this Supreme Court approval, this rule is now completely clear.