The Commission of Inquiry, led by former Chief Justice of India Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, has been granted a one-year extension to submit its report regarding the potential grant of Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit converts. Initially tasked with delivering its findings by October 10, 2024, the new deadline is now set for October 10, 2025. This extension was granted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment after the commission requested additional time to finalize its recommendations, particularly after facing logistical challenges that delayed its start.
Background of the Commission
The commission was formed in response to ongoing discussions surrounding the eligibility of Dalit converts to Islam and Christianity for SC status. The current legal framework, established by the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950, restricts SC classification to those practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. A series of petitions were filed with the Supreme Court advocating for the inclusion of Dalit Christians and Muslims, leading to the Supreme Court’s directive for the Centre to clarify its position on this issue.
Scheduled Caste Order, 1950
This order, issued under Article 341 of the Indian Constitution, originally recognized only Hindus as eligible for SC status. It has been amended over time to include Sikhs and Buddhists, but Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims were excluded, leading to ongoing debates and petitions for their inclusion.
Formation and Objectives of the Commission
The three-member commission aims to:
- Investigate whether SC status can be extended to Dalits who convert to other religions.
- Assess the changes in social status and discrimination faced by SC individuals upon conversion.
- Analyze the traditions, customs, and forms of discrimination that may persist after conversion.
Previous Commissions and Their Recommendations
Several commissions have historically supported the inclusion of Dalit converts:
- First Backward Classes Commission (1955): Found that caste discrimination continued among Indian Christians and Muslims, affirming that Dalit converts experienced similar social disabilities as those within the Hindu community.
- Rajinder Sachar Report (2006): Highlighted the unchanged social and economic status of Dalit Muslims and Christians post-conversion, noting their exclusion from SC status.
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes and National Commission for Minorities: Both bodies have also recommended extending SC status to Dalit Muslims and Christians in affidavits submitted to the Supreme Court.
Centre’s Position on Dalit Converts
The central government has consistently defended its exclusion of Dalit Christians and Muslims from SC status, arguing that these religions have “foreign origins.” In a 2019 affidavit, it refuted claims that Dalit converts continue to face caste-based social disabilities, citing a lack of empirical evidence. The government distinguishes between Dalit Buddhists, who converted for socio-political reasons, and Dalit converts to Islam and Christianity, suggesting different motivations for their conversions. Nevertheless, the Centre has endorsed the establishment of the commission to ensure a thorough examination of the issue before the Supreme Court reaches a decision.
