​​​​​​​Supreme Court Big Decision: Conversion To Christianity Will Cancel Scheduled Caste Status 

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has given a big and historic decision on Tuesday. The court made it clear that a person who leaves Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism and converts to Christianity or any other religion will not get Scheduled Caste (SC) status. Besides, he will also not be able to avail himself of the benefits of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.

What did the court say?

Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice N.V. Anjari's bench said that after religious conversion, SC status is lost. If a person follows any religion other than Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist then he cannot be considered SC. The court upheld the decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

What was the whole matter?

Pastor Chinthada Anand had filed a complaint under the SC/ST Act alleging caste discrimination. Police registered FIR. Accused Akkala Ramireddy filed a petition in the High Court to cancel the FIR. The High Court canceled the FIR and said that Anand has become a Christian, hence he cannot avail himself of the benefits of SC/ST Act.

What did the Supreme Court say in its decision?

The court said in its decision that Anand has been following Christianity for a long time and is serving as a pastor. On this basis he cannot be considered a member of the Scheduled Caste. The court also made it clear that SC status is limited only to those following Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist religions.

What is the meaning of the decision?

Now Dalit people converting to Christianity or other religions will not be able to avail themselves of the protection of SC/ST Act. Their SC certificate will also be considered invalid. The court said that caste discrimination is not considered in Christianity, hence SC status cannot be given.

Why is this decision important?

This decision clears up the long standing debate regarding Dalit reservation and the scope of the SC/ST Act. Many organizations have been demanding for a long time that the converted person should not get the benefits of SC/ST. The Supreme Court has now given its final seal of approval.

What will happen now?

This decision will be applicable in the entire country. Those who have converted to Christianity or other religions will not get the benefits of SC/ST. Anand's petition has been rejected. After the decision, discussion has intensified in political and social circles.

Will its effect be visible in future also?

Legal experts believe that this decision will set an example for such cases in future. This will bring clarity in the disputes related to religious conversion and reservation and will give a clear direction to the courts.