Will SC Certificates Issued After Conversion Be Cancelled?
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Synopsis
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court clarifies that only Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs can benefit from SC reservations, prompting Maharashtra's CM to announce the cancellation of SC certificates obtained via conversion. This ruling has significant implications for the state's religious conversion practices and the integrity of reservation policies.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court ruling limits SC benefits to certain religions.
- SC certificates obtained through conversion will be cancelled.
- Government will reclaim any benefits received through fraudulent certificates.
- Strict actions against fraudulent conversions are promised.
- Investigation will follow based on complaints received.
Mumbai, July 17 (NationPress) The Supreme Court delivered a decisive ruling on November 26, 2024, affirming that only Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs are entitled to the advantages of reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), excluding individuals from other religions. In accordance with this ruling, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Legislative Council on Thursday that SC certificates obtained following conversion will be annulled.
Addressing concerns raised by members Amit Gorkhe, Chitra Wagh, Praveen Darekar, Uma Khapre, and Shrikant Bhartiya, the Chief Minister stated that issuing SC certificates to converts to Christianity is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s decision specifies that individuals who do not identify as Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist will not be granted SC status, he reiterated.
He emphasized that if individuals of other faiths have improperly acquired SC certificates, their certificates will be revoked, and any benefits received, such as employment or electoral advantages, will be reclaimed.
Furthermore, he assured that the state government is committed to enforcing strict measures against those who engage in coercive or deceptive conversions. He also mentioned that a report from the committee led by the state Director General of Police has been received, and legal actions will follow based on its findings.
“No action will be taken against any religious organization solely based on faith, but investigations will occur upon receiving complaints, with action taken if wrongdoing is discovered. Additionally, the issue of individuals referred to as crypto Christians, who covertly convert and present themselves as Hindus, is a growing challenge. Authorities are empowered to verify such cases and invalidate their certificates based on on-site inspections and complaints,” stated the Chief Minister.
He reassured the House that while there is no prohibition against voluntary conversions, the state government will act firmly against fraudulent conversion practices.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity of reservation policies in India. The Supreme Court's ruling reinforces the principle of eligibility based on religious identity, which is crucial for ensuring that benefits reach the intended communities. Our responsibility is to report these developments with accuracy and impartiality.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Supreme Court ruling entail?
The Supreme Court ruling specifies that only Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs can claim benefits from Scheduled Caste reservations, excluding individuals from other religions.
What will happen to SC certificates obtained through conversion?
The Chief Minister has announced that SC certificates acquired after conversion will be annulled.
Are there any penalties for those who wrongfully obtained SC status?
Yes, individuals found to have incorrectly acquired SC certificates will have their certificates revoked, and any benefits received will be reclaimed.
Will the state government take action against fraudulent conversions?
The state government is prepared to take strict measures against fraudulent conversions, with investigations conducted based on complaints.
What is the status of voluntary conversions?
While there is no ban on voluntary conversions, the government will act against those that are fraudulent.
