March 25, 2026
The Supreme Court of India ruled that individuals who profess a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot be recognized as members of a Scheduled Caste (SC), and such status stands forfeited upon conversion.
A Bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria upheld the earlier decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, emphasizing that the restriction on claiming SC status after conversion to religions such as Christianity or Islam is absolute and admits no exception.
The Court further clarified that no statutory benefit, protection, reservation, or constitutional entitlement can be extended to any person who is not deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste under the applicable provisions. It was also observed that a person cannot simultaneously profess a religion outside those specified and claim the benefits associated with Scheduled Caste status.
A Bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria upheld the earlier decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, emphasizing that the restriction on claiming SC status after conversion to religions such as Christianity or Islam is absolute and admits no exception.
The Court further clarified that no statutory benefit, protection, reservation, or constitutional entitlement can be extended to any person who is not deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste under the applicable provisions. It was also observed that a person cannot simultaneously profess a religion outside those specified and claim the benefits associated with Scheduled Caste status.
