Maharashtra to Cancel SC Certificates of Non-Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh Beneficiaries: CM Fadnavis
In a significant policy move, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates issued to individuals practicing religions other than Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism will be cancelled if obtained fraudulently. The decision aligns with a Supreme Court verdict from November 26, 2024, which reaffirmed that SC reservation benefits are constitutionally reserved for these three religious communities.
Addressing the Legislative Council during a ‘calling attention’ motion, Fadnavis stated, “If anyone from religions other than Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism has availed an SC certificate or reservation benefits, their validity and caste certificates will be cancelled with due process.” He emphasized that those found guilty would also be liable to repay any benefits received through such means, including government jobs and electoral advantages.
Fadnavis also outlined the state’s plan to introduce stringent legal provisions against religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, or inducement. While he reiterated the constitutional right to religious freedom and voluntary conversion, he clarified, “The law does not permit the use of force or deception. Action will be taken against organisations involved in such activities.”
To address the issue, a committee headed by the Director General of Police (DGP) was formed to study forced conversions. The committee has submitted its recommendations, and the government is currently reviewing them. The Chief Minister confirmed that new legal measures will be introduced soon, in addition to existing provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Minister of State for Home, Pankaj Bhoyar, also announced that the state plans to introduce a comprehensive anti-conversion law in the upcoming winter session. He claimed that Maharashtra’s version would be stricter than those implemented in other states.
Concerns over misuse of SC status by “crypto Christians”, individuals who covertly follow Christianity while claiming SC benefits, were raised by BJP MLA Amit Gorkhe. BJP leader Chitra Wagh also pointed to cases of interfaith marriages involving alleged religious concealment and coercion.
Fadnavis concluded by assuring that while the government respects individual freedom of religion, it will act firmly against coercive and fraudulent conversions
By Line: Amit Kumar