On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Supreme Court of India upheld a decision made by the Andhra Pradesh High Court regarding who can be considered a member of a Scheduled Caste (SC).
The court said that only people who follow Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism can be officially recognised as members of a Scheduled Caste. This means they are eligible to receive the benefits and protections given to SC communities under the law.
The judgment also made it clear that if a person converts to another religion, such as Christianity or any other faith, they will no longer be able to claim these Scheduled Caste benefits. These benefits usually include reservations in education, government jobs, and other welfare schemes.
This decision confirms the existing legal position and supports the earlier ruling of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. It also highlights how religion plays a role in determining eligibility for Scheduled Caste status in India.
Overall, the ruling has important implications for people who change their religion, as it affects their access to certain government benefits and legal protections.