Scheduled caste status only for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs: SC

The Supreme Court ruled that only individuals professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism can be members of Scheduled Castes. Conversion to any other religion results in an absolute loss of SC status, preventing invocation of the SC/ST Act. This ruling contrasts with Scheduled Tribes, where religion is not a basis for exclusion.

By AMIT ANAND CHOUDHARY

‘Bar is absolute’: Conversion from Hinduism, Buddhism or Sikhism to other religions will lead to loss of SC status, says Supreme Court

Religious conversion results in loss of Scheduled Caste status: Supreme Court

The court said a person professing a faith other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot claim the constitutional protections available to Scheduled Castes

Converted Christians Cannot Claim Scheduled Caste Status: Supreme Court

The verdict came in a case involving a man who had converted to Christianity and was working as a pastor, but had filed a complaint under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act alleging assault and caste-based abuse.