Why is it in the news?
The Supreme Court ruled on SC status after religious conversion.
Clarified legal position under Constitution and 1950 Order.
Category: Polity
Important Points:
● SC status limited to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists
● Conversion to other religions leads to immediate loss of SC status
● Based on Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950
● “Professing religion” means publicly practicing it
● Converted individuals cannot claim SC/ST Act protections
● Reconversion requires strict proof and community acceptance
● ST status remains religion-neutral unlike SC
● Article 341 empowers President to notify SC list
● Debate continues on religion vs social justice criteria