(a) whether the Government has received any requests from the State
Government to extend Scheduled Caste status to the converted Christians
of Hindu origin;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons submitted by the States
for the said inclusion in the Scheduled Caste status; and
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI P. BALRAM NAIK)
(a) & (b) There have been demands/ requests from various quarters,
including some of the State Governments to grant status of Scheduled
Castes to those converts to Christianity, who may have originally belonged
to castes which are currently specified as Scheduled Caste.
(c) A number of writ petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court,
pleading for Scheduled Caste status for converts to Christianity, who may
originally have belonged to castes which are currently specified as
Scheduled Castes. The matter is presently, subjudice.