In a significant mobilisation following recent judicial developments, members of Scheduled Caste (SC) Hindu communities staged a protest in front of the Anakapalli District Collectorate, on April 20, demanding strict implementation of Supreme Court rulings governing SC reservation eligibility.
The protestors, identifying themselves as “original SC groups,” asserted that reservation benefits must be confined strictly to Hindu Scheduled Castes, in line with existing constitutional provisions and recent judicial interpretations.
They raised concerns over the misuse of SC certificates by individuals who have converted to other religions, particularly Christianity, and called for immediate administrative action.
Under the leadership of Hindu Scheduled Caste Protection Committee organisations, a protest was held in front of the Collector’s office on April 20, demanding immediate implementation of the recent Supreme Court judgment which stated that Dalit reservations do not apply to Dalit Christians and are applicable only to Hindu Dalits.
Led by the organisation’s founder Boni Ganesh, members held banners and placards and raised slogans on a large scale demanding the immediate enforcement of the Supreme Court verdict.
On this occasion, Boni Ganesh stated that authorities must respect and implement the Supreme Court’s judgment. On Monday, during the public grievance redressal programme, he, along with representatives of the organisation, submitted a petition to the District Collector explaining the injustices being faced by Hindu Dalits.
Speaking at the event, Boni Ganesh demanded that, without ignoring the judgments delivered by higher courts, a process should be initiated to officially identify those who have converted from Dalit communities to Christianity, continue to practise that religion, yet obtain false SC caste certificates claiming to be Hindus.
He also demanded strict action against revenue officials who, without proper verification or investigation, are issuing caste certificates to Dalit Christians indiscriminately, “like goods in a marketplace.”
He expressed concern that due to false caste certificates issued by Mandal Revenue Officers (MROs), genuine Dalits are losing access to employment, education, jobs, bank loans, and legal protections under constitutional rights.
He strongly criticised that, with a planned approach and encouragement from Christian institutions, individuals are migrating from distant areas, operating as pastors, and establishing churches in villages without any permissions, thereby creating religious divisions among Dalits.
In accordance with court orders and the demands of Hindu Dalits, he called for the removal of unauthorised churches in villages.
District President Mailapalli Pothuraju, speaking on the occasion, urged authorities to immediately identify those attending churches in villages and remove them from the Dalit reservation category, considering them under BC categories instead.
He further demanded the cancellation of SC certificates already obtained by Christians as part of implementing court orders. He also stated that those who have applied for government-provided livelihood assistance for pastors should have SC caste certificates of their family members cancelled.
The leaders warned that they would not tolerate any disregard of court orders by officials. They also made it clear that, if necessary, they would organise large-scale protests by bringing together all political parties.
Consistent Judicial Position Across Courts
The agitation also referenced a series of judicial pronouncements across multiple courts reinforcing this interpretation:
The Andhra Pradesh High Court, in April 2024, quashed proceedings under the SC/ST Act against a pastor, noting that conversion to Christianity alters the legal standing of SC status.
The Supreme Court upheld this view, observing that continued religious practice outside the recognised framework disqualifies individuals from claiming SC protections.
In another case, the apex court rejected a claim for SC reservation benefits, terming such attempts as contrary to constitutional intent.
The Madras High Court, in May 2025, reiterated that claiming SC status after conversion constitutes a violation of constitutional provisions governing reservations.
The legal framework governing SC status traces back to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which limits SC recognition to specific religious groups. Courts have repeatedly upheld this framework, stating that the basis for SC classification is intrinsically linked to social disabilities rooted in the caste system.
