SC Status Limited to Hindus, Sikhs & Buddhists: Apex Court

On 24th March 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that only individuals belonging to Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist faiths are eligible for Scheduled Caste (SC) status, reaffirming constitutional provisions on the matter.

Key Points

Effect of Conversion: Conversion to religions such as Christianity leads to immediate loss of Scheduled Caste status, regardless of birth.
Legal Basis: The Court relied on Clause 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which imposes this restriction.
SC/ST Act Protection: Individuals who convert to Christianity are not eligible for protection under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Court Ruling: The judgment upheld an earlier order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Significance: Reinforces the legal framework governing SC status and highlights the link between caste-based reservations and specified religions under constitutional provisions.