‘Why do rights vanish after conversion?’

Dalit Christians raise constitutional discrimination concerns

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The long-standing debate over the denial of Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians has resurfaced, with former DGP and national coordinator Dr. J. Poornachandra Rao voiced strong concerns over what he termed continuing constitutional discrimination.

Speaking at a meeting organised by the Christian Coordination Council (CCC), Dr. Poornachandra Rao argued that while conversion does not erase caste identity or social discrimination, it results in the loss of constitutional safeguards. “Caste does not disappear after conversion, but rights do. How is this justice?” he questioned.

He highlighted that Dalit Christians from Mala and Madiga communities continue to face untouchability, social exclusion, and economic backwardness similar to their counterparts in Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist communities, who are eligible for SC benefits. Denying the same protections to those who adopt Christianity, he said, amounts to systemic discrimination.

Dr. Rao also criticised political leadership for remaining silent on the issue. He questioned why leaders who mobilise large campaigns on other issues have not taken up the cause of Dalit Christians. He alleged that divisions within marginalised communities were being deepened, weakening broader social unity.

Drawing attention to policy inconsistencies, he pointed out that economically weaker sections (EWS) among upper-caste Christians are eligible for reservations, while Dalit Christians are denied SC status. “Opportunities for the privileged, denial for the marginalised, this reflects a flawed system,” he remarked.

He further argued that the current framework violates multiple constitutional guarantees, including equality before law (Article 14), prohibition of discrimination (Article 15), equal opportunity in employment (Article 16), abolition of untouchability (Article 17), freedom of religion (Article 25), and the right to life with dignity (Article 21).

Tracing the historical context, Dr. Rao noted that the 1950 Presidential Order restricted SC status to Hindus, later extending it to Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990), but not to Christians. Despite judicial observations and commission reports acknowledging that caste-based discrimination persists after conversion, no similar extension has been granted.

Calling for reform, he demanded the removal of Paragraph 3 of the 1950 order to extend SC status to Dalit Christians. “This is not a political demand, it is about restoring constitutional rights,” he asserted.

The CCC announced a multi-pronged action plan, including awareness campaigns, legal intervention at the Supreme Court level, engagement with public  representatives, and digital outreach.“This is not a plea for charity, but a fight for rights,” Dr. Rao said, warning that history would hold accountable those who remain silent.