Andhra Pradesh High Court Rules SC Status Ends After Conversion to Christianity
Amaravati, May 2: In a landmark judgment that could have far-reaching social and political implications, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that individuals belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) will cease to be recognized as SCs under the Constitution of India once they convert to Christianity.
The verdict came in response to a case examining the eligibility of certain individuals for SC benefits despite their conversion to Christianity. The division bench of the High Court emphasized that SC status is inherently linked to the Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist faiths as per the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. The court observed that the constitutional recognition of Scheduled Castes was primarily intended to address caste-based social discrimination prevalent within these religions.
Judgment Upholds Constitutional Provisions
The court cited Clause 3 of the Presidential SC Order, which clearly states that “no person who professes a religion different from the Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist religion shall be deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste.” Accordingly, the bench ruled that individuals who convert to Christianity voluntarily forfeit their SC status and are no longer entitled to the reservation benefits that come with it.
Impact on Social Welfare and Reservation Policies
The ruling is expected to influence the status of numerous individuals who have converted to Christianity but continue to avail benefits such as job and education reservations under the SC category. Legal experts note that the judgment reaffirms the constitutional and statutory framework concerning caste-based affirmative action.
However, the decision is likely to trigger debates on the broader issue of Dalit Christian rights and demands for reservation benefits for Dalits who convert to Christianity and Islam — a topic that has been under review by various central and state-level commissions for years.
Political and Community Reactions
The ruling has elicited mixed reactions. Some political leaders and social activists hailed the judgment as a reinforcement of constitutional integrity, while others raised concerns about the marginalization of Dalit Christians. Minority rights organizations are expected to challenge the decision or demand policy reforms to include Dalit converts under affirmative action.
As the discussion unfolds, the ruling may also reignite the demand for a review of the 1950 Presidential Order and could influence ongoing debates surrounding caste and religion-based reservations in India.
