SC status limited to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists: SC
Conversion means no SC benefits
New Delhi | Desk: In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court has ruled that only individuals professing the Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist faiths are entitled to claim Scheduled Caste (SC) status. On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, a bench headed by Justice P.K. Mishra, while upholding an earlier judgment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, clarified that adherence to the limitations stipulated under Clause 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, is mandatory.
In its judgment, the Court stated that if a member of a Scheduled Caste converts to a religion other than those specified in Clause 3, such as Christianity, they shall, with immediate effect, forfeit their status within the reserved category.
The Bench emphasized that this restriction under Clause 3 is absolute and admits of no exceptions whatsoever. According to the Court, no individual can simultaneously claim membership of a Scheduled Caste, along with the attendant constitutional benefits, while practicing another religion.
The most significant impact of this verdict will be felt on the implementation of the 'Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.'
The Court clarified that an individual who has embraced Christianity cannot claim protection under this specific Act, as they are no longer deemed a member of a Scheduled Caste in the eyes of the law.
This case pertained to an individual who had converted to Christianity and began serving as a pastor, yet subsequently filed a complaint under the SC/ST Act regarding an alleged physical assault committed against him.
Adopting a firm stance on the matter, the Supreme Court asserted that no statutory benefits, protections, or reservations granted by Parliament or a State Legislature can be extended to an individual who has voluntarily converted to another religion.
