Hyderabad: The Supreme Court ruled that SC status cancelled conversion applies to individuals who convert to Christianity, stating they cannot claim Scheduled Caste benefits or protection under the SC/ST Act.
A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria delivered the ruling while hearing a case linked to an alleged attack on a pastor in Guntur district. The court examined whether the complainant could invoke provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The complainant had been working as a pastor in Pittalavanipalem for nearly a decade. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly engaged in prayers. Based on these facts, the court observed that his religious identity had changed.
Court clarifies SC status cancelled conversion in legal protection
The bench held that Christianity does not recognise the caste system. Therefore, it said a person who converts cannot claim protection under laws meant specifically for Scheduled Castes.
The court further clarified that even if a caste certificate had been issued by a Tahsildar, such recognition would not remain valid after conversion for the purpose of claiming SC-related legal safeguards.
As a result, the court ruled that the complainant was not eligible to file a case under the SC/ST Act. The judgment has significant implications for cases involving religious conversion and caste-based protections.
