The ruling tightens the government’s narrative of SC identity as tied to ‘Indic’ religions.
The recent Supreme Court ruling that Dalits who convert to religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism lose their Scheduled Caste (SC) status should have sent shockwaves across India’s socio-political landscape. However, its significance seems to have been lost in the cacophony of the United States-Israel war on Iran.
Delivered on March 24 by a two-judge bench, the order comes at a curious juncture: the issue of SC status for converts has been pending before a larger three-judge bench since 2011. Either the judges were unaware of this procedural overlap, or the government failed to bring it to their attention. In either case, the ruling has immediate and far-reaching consequences.
The judgment carries binding authority. For Dalit Christians and Muslims, it creates fresh apprehensions and fear. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, which have historically extended certain welfare benefits to these Dalit groups, now face a legal quandary. Such benefits, if classified under SC quotas, are vulnerable to challenge and likely to be struck down. Some welfare measures in these states are already structured under the OBC and Backward Classes categories. However, the provisions of the SC/ST (Atrocities Prevention) Act cannot be extended to them….
https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/blocking-justice-for-dalit-christians-and-muslims-3946295
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PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
All India Christian Council condemns move to use FCRA to take away Christian properties meant for the development of Dalits, tribals, OBCs and marginalised people.
The monies given to these institutions and projects came from individual and Christian churches for the wholistic development of these communities through Christians in India. as things stand whatever authority the proposed bill sets up under the BJP government will be run by RSS affiliated individuals. This is violation of the fundamental rights of Christians and other minorities.
Hyderabad, March 27, 2026:
The All India Christian Council, founded 1999, expresses profound alarm and concern over the authorities continuing and accelerating alienation of properties in the guise of enforcing FCRA. These lands, and assets are not bought out of government funds in India or abroad. The development of these assets in most cases is a combination of local and foreign funds. They are specifically dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of Dalits, tribals, and other marginalised communities.
This is a dangerous and deeply alarming crisis with immediate and potentially irreversible consequences, AICC president Dr Joseph D’Souza said. When the issue of waqf properties was in the supreme court an RSS journal carried an article stating that now the BJP government should do the same with Christian properties and bring them under government control. The proposed new FCRA amendment is merely a ploy for the government to take over properties and assets run by Christian institutions.
Under the pretext of so called ‘transparency and anti conversion rhetoric’ against development projects or economic initiatives, such alienation is rapidly dispossessing the most vulnerable sections of society of vital resources essential for their education, health, livelihood support, and human dignity. It poses an immediate and grave threat to the constitutionally guaranteed protections and safeguards for religious minorities.
The systematic alienation of properties strikes at the very heart of democratic principles of social justice, equality, and inclusive growth. Such practices are not only contrary to the principles of natural justice but also violate the spirit of the Constitution and the solemn commitments made to the upliftment of the weaker sections of society and of a democratic society. coming as this does when the. BJP leaders are trying to woo the Christian community in Tamilnadu and Kerala in the upcoming state election saying that the BJP is a friend of Christians exposes the double standard of the present government with regard to Christians.
The AICC, which was specifically founded as a community watchdog for minority rights and civil liberties, strongly condemns any legislative, administrative or other measures that empower authorities, non-state actors, or private entities to alienate these properties without the free, prior and informed consent of the communities themselves. And even then, communities would need iron-clad guarantees that their rights and benefits will be fully protected. The weaponisation of the investigative agencies is a hard reality in India and the Christian community fears that the investigative agencies will be misused against the minorities.
We feel these actions are wholly unacceptable, unjust, and raise the gravest concerns regarding fairness, transparency, equity, and accountability.
The AICC demands immediate and comprehensive consultation with affected communities and civil society organisations working at the grassroots level, rather than unilateral decisions that threaten their very survival and future.
We call upon the Government of India and the State Governments to take immediate and decisive action to immediately suspend all processes leading to such alienation.
For further information and interview with Archbishop Most Rev Dr Joseph Dsouza, please contact the number below:
Madhu Chandra Singh
Secretary
9100952490
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After the truth-shower 