SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a request to review a previous decision.

This decision said that if someone from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community converts to a religion that is not Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, they lose their SC status immediately.

The court stated that this rule is clear and absolute.

The original decision was made on March 24, 2026, and the review request was dismissed on July 15, 2026.

The court explained that the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, only allows SC status for those who follow Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.

Christianity and other religions are not included in this order.

The court also mentioned that if someone reconverts to Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, they must prove their original caste, genuine reconversion, and acceptance by their original community to regain SC status.