Supreme Court ruled that only Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists qualify for the Scheduled Caste status; conversion to Christianity or other religions causes immediate loss.
Justices P.K. Mishra and Manmohan upheld the Andhra Pradesh High Court order. Clause 3 of the 1950 Constitution Order absolute: professing a non-specified faith disqualifies SC membership.
Dalit Christian converts cannot claim SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act safeguards. The court emphasized the caste system alien to Christianity, ending all entitlements upon active practice.
1950 Order originally Hindu-only; extended to Sikhs (1956), Buddhists (1990). Bench rejected the pastor’s appeal challenging the High Court verdict, affirming legal clarity.
Ruling prevents misuse of affirmative action meant for Sanatan Dharma’s marginalized communities. Reconversion requires triple test scrutiny, maintaining the scheme’s original purpose.
