Bengaluru, March 25 Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday targeted the Centre over the Supreme Court's ruling denying Scheduled Caste status to Christians, Muslims, and other minorities, alleging that it has caused "deep consternation, disquiet, and fear" among the poor in minority communities.
Surjewala, who is also the Congress' in-charge for Karnataka, said in a post on 'X' that the determination of 'Status as SCs' (even as Backward Classes) on conversion has been a sensitive issue impacting a large number of poor, underprivileged, and those seeking to end societal prejudice.
"The issue cannot be examined or opined upon on a simple interpretation of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. Certain fundamental issues must be addressed and answered."
He pointed out that the issue of granting continuing 'Status of SC' on conversion is pending before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court since January 21, 2011.
"Then, how can a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court decide the issue, without reference to the larger bench," he asked.
Surjewala questioned why the Modi government did not bring the issue to the attention of the Supreme Court bench, given that it was already under consideration by a three-judge bench.
"Was this done deliberately by the government..." he asked.
In a significant decision, the Supreme Court on Tuesday held that a Scheduled Caste community person converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism loses the SC status from the moment of conversion, regardless of birth.