The Supreme Court of India reiterated that a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste (SC) loses that status upon converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism, as per the constitutional framework governing SC recognition.
Key Observations
The Court referred to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which limits SC status to persons professing Hinduism, later extended to Sikhism and Buddhism.
It held that conversion to other religions like Islam or Christianity results in loss of SC status, as caste-based disabilities are not legally recognized in those religions under the framework.
The Bench emphasized that SC benefits are linked to historical social disadvantages rooted in specific religious contexts.
Court’s View
The Court clarified that reconversion may restore SC status, subject to proof that the person has returned to the original caste and is accepted by the community.
It highlighted that reservation and other benefits are tied to constitutional provisions and cannot be extended beyond their defined scope.
Legal Principle
Scheduled Caste status is restricted to persons professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism; conversion to other religions leads to loss of such status under existing law.
