An issue has erupted within the India state of Maharashtra following Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ announcement that individuals who convert to Christianity will not be eligible for Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates.
This measure can also be prolonged to those that adopt Islam.
Citing a Supreme Court ruling from November 2024, Fadnavis declared that SC status – and its associated advantages – should remain reserved for communities adhering to Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism.
The decision has raised alarm amongst rights groups and opposition leaders who warn of its potential to further marginalise Dalit Christians and other vulnerable groups, as they could now be deprived of important affirmative motion advantages.
These include reserved quotas in education, employment, and government representation, in addition to access to state scholarships and welfare programmes.
Under the 1950 Presidential Order of India, SC status was initially granted only to Hindus but was later prolonged to incorporate Sikhs and Buddhists, while still ostracising Christians and Muslims.
At present, 11 Indian states uphold the “Freedom of Religion Acts”, which penalise conversions perceived to be coerced or fraudulent.
Mervyn Thomas, Founder President of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), condemned the state’s actions: “CSW is worried on the Maharashtra State authorities’ decision to cancel Scheduled Caste certificates for converts to Christianity or Islam, and pledge to introduce a strict anti-conversion law which can little question contravene India’s constitutional and international commitments to freedom of faith or belief.
“We call on the Maharashtra State government to reconsider this decision, and urge the governments of all states through which anti-conversion laws is currently in place to repeal these laws as a matter of urgency.”
The announcement followed closely on the heels of remarks by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Dr Pankaj Bhoyar on 14 July.
He revealed that the state government is planning to introduce a latest anti-conversion law throughout the upcoming winter legislative session, asserting it would be more stringent than similar laws currently in force across India.
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