Supreme Court Dismisses SC Claim of Christian Convert in Landmark Verdict
In a significant judgment on November 26, 2024, the Supreme Court of India rejected the appeal of C. Selvarani, a Christian seeking Scheduled Caste (SC) benefits under the Constitution (Pondicherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964. Delivered by Justices Pankaj Mithal and R. Mahadevan, the verdict reinforced that individuals professing Christianity are ineligible for SC status, upholding the integrity of India’s reservation system.
The Case and Background
Selvarani, born to a Hindu father and Christian mother in 1990, claimed eligibility for SC benefits as a member of the Valluvan caste, which is recognized under the 1964 Presidential Order. She had relied on an SC certificate obtained earlier to pursue education but faced scrutiny during a government job application. Investigations revealed her baptism and active involvement in Christian practices, leading Puducherry authorities to reject her SC claim.
Her appeals to higher administrative bodies and the Madras High Court were similarly dismissed, prompting her to approach the Supreme Court.
Key Legal Issues
1. Eligibility for SC Benefits
Under Article 341 of the Indian Constitution, SC status is reserved for individuals practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, excluding Christians. The Court reaffirmed this principle, stating that Selvarani’s Christian faith disqualified her.
2. Caste Revival Post-Conversion
Selvarani argued that caste identity is dormant upon religious conversion and revives upon reconversion. However, the Court found no evidence of her reconversion to Hinduism or acceptance by the Valluvan community.
3. Fraud on the Reservation System
The Court condemned the misuse of reservation benefits, emphasizing that claims based on dual religious identities undermine the system and deprive deserving beneficiaries.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The Court dismissed Selvarani’s appeal, highlighting:
Legal Boundaries: SC benefits are exclusive to followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism, as outlined in the Constitution.
Lack of Evidence: No public declaration, reconversion ceremony, or community acceptance supported Selvarani’s claim.
Fraudulent Intent: Attempting to claim SC benefits while practicing Christianity was deemed unconstitutional and a breach of the reservation system's purpose.
The ruling sends a clear message about safeguarding the reservation framework, ensuring it remains dedicated to the socio-economically disadvantaged groups it was designed to uplift.
