Supreme Court upholds SC reservation only for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists
The Supreme Court reiterated its long-held principle that Scheduled Caste (SC) protections and special provisions are available only to those practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. This judgment arose from a Christian pastor's plea for SC/ST Act protection. The Court affirmed that an SC member converting out of these three religions ceases to be an SC. Historically, SC definition initially included only Hindus, later extended to Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990). The editorial notes that while theological and constitutional arguments support this distinction, the exclusion of Christian and Muslim converts, who still face discrimination, remains a contested and politically surcharged issue, currently under review by a commission.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court reaffirmed that Scheduled Caste benefits are limited to those practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
- Conversion out of these specified religions results in the loss of SC status, as per the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
- The original SC definition for Hindus was extended to Sikhs in 1956 and Buddhists in 1990, reflecting historical and political realities.
- The exclusion of Christian and Muslim converts from SC benefits, despite facing discrimination, remains a politically sensitive issue, currently under review by a commission.
Exam Facts
- Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
- Article 341 of the Constitution.
- SC definition extended to Sikhs in 1956 and Buddhists in 1990.
- Explanation II to Article 25(2) defines Hindu to include Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain faiths.
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