Supreme Court: SC status ends after conversion to Christianity; only Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists eligible

PTC Web Desk:  Going forward, a person who converts to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism cannot claim Scheduled Caste (SC) status or seek protection under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The ruling has been made by the Supreme Court of India. This decision is being seen as one that will impact all those who have been availing dual benefits so far.

A Bench of Justices PK Mishra and NV Anjaria has upheld an earlier decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court that ruled that a man who converted to Christianity could no longer be treated as a member of a Scheduled Caste. Chinthada Anand, a pastor from Andhra Pradesh, had filed the case. He had alleged that some people from his village assaulted him and issued threats. He was also hurled caste-based remarks. On the basis of this complaint, a case was registered under the SC/ST Act.

However, the accused argued that Anand had already converted to Christianity and was actively practising as a pastor. They claimed that he was not eligible for legal protection meant specifically for Scheduled Castes.

After the police investigated the case, a chargesheet was filed. Following this, Anand moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court and sought cancellation of the case against the accused. The Andhra Pradesh High Court, however, dismissed his plea and set aside the FIR. It said that once a person converts to Christianity, they lose their SC identity, as caste distinctions are not recognised in that religion.

The High Court also noted that even if Anand had an SC certificate, it would not help his case because conversion overrides caste status. Anand, while challenging this decision, moved the Supreme Court. However, the apex court also agreed with the High Court’s findings.

The Supreme Court observed that Anand had been practising Christianity for several years and had not returned to his original religion. The bench pointed out that he had been working as a pastor for over a decade and regularly conducted Sunday prayers in his village.

The judges said there was no evidence to show that he had rejoined his original caste community. They also noted that he was conducting a prayer meeting at the time of the alleged incident, which clearly showed that he continued to follow Christianity.

Based on these facts, the court concluded that Anand was not eligible to claim SC status at the time of the incident.