The Supreme Court has ruled on the long-standing constitutional question of whether a person born into a Scheduled Caste loses that status — and the accompanying reservation benefits — upon converting to Christianity or Islam, a dilemma illustrated by families who, despite conversion, continue to face the same untouchability and social boycott as before.
Under existing law, Scheduled Caste status is recognised only for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, excluding Christians and Muslims even where the lived experience of caste-based discrimination remains identical. This raises core constitutional concerns about equality, non-discrimination, and the purpose of reservation as a remedy for social oppression rather than religious identity alone.
For exam purposes, remember the key issue: whether SC status is tied to religion or to actual social disadvantage, and how the Court's reasoning engages with Articles of equality and affirmative action in addressing 'converted Dalits'.