Conversion Does Not Automatically Lead To Loss Of Scheduled Tribe Status, Person Must Renounce Tribal Customs : Supreme Court

Conversion Does Not Automatically Lead To Loss Of Scheduled Tribe Status, Person Must Renounce Tribal Customs : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court today clarified that no person other than those professing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism can be regarded as a member of the Scheduled caste. At the same time, it said that while caste is a factor when it comes to the Scheduled caste, there is no requirement for the Scheduled Tribes, and therefore, conversion may not be the sole criterion for determining whether a person has lost membership of a tribe. Also Read - Over 80 % Women Lawyers Feel Their Professional Journey Harder Than Male Peers : SCBA Survey For the context, the Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Prasant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan was hearing a case of a Pastor, who belonged to the Madiga caste of the Hindu religion, but converted to Christianity. He then filed a case of assault against some persons under the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Andhra Pradesh High Court held that since he converted to Christianity, he cannot be regarded as a member of the Scheduled Caste and couldn't claim the protection under the SC&ST Act as per the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. This was upheld by the Supreme Court today, which also explained further nuances in this matter.