SC certificates of all other than Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs will be cancelled, declares Maharashtra CM

Government to act on misuse of SC quota benefits

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared that any person belonging to a religion other than Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism who has obtained a Scheduled Caste (SC) certificate fraudulently will have their certificate cancelled. He further warned that if such individuals have availed of reservation benefits like government jobs or won elections using these certificates, strict action will be taken, including declaring their elections null and void.

Fadnavis made the statement in the state’s Legislative Council, emphasizing that the Supreme Court’s decision dated November 26, 2024, clearly limited SC reservation eligibility to followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

Legal and administrative measures in progress

The Chief Minister clarified that caste and validity certificates issued under false religious identities will be revoked through the proper legal process. He noted that beneficiaries who used such documents to gain government employment or contest elections will face disqualification, and in some cases, financial recovery procedures may be pursued.

Amit Gorkhe, a BJP member, had raised the concern by stating that some individuals discreetly practice Christianity while presenting themselves as eligible SC members under other religions on official records. These so-called “crypto-Christians” allegedly take undue advantage of reservation policies.

Fadnavis reiterated that if any such person has availed benefits under the SC quota by misrepresenting their religion, stringent action will follow. This includes invalidating the benefits and recovering the gains made through deceitful means.

Planned anti-conversion legislation

In response to cases of forced religious conversion, the Maharashtra government intends to introduce strict legal provisions. These provisions aim to prevent conversions that occur through coercion, cheating, or enticement.

Fadnavis referenced a case in Sangli where a woman was reportedly misled about her husband’s religion, later subjected to torture, and pressured to convert. The case ended in her death during advanced pregnancy, raising concerns over religious identity fraud and coercion.

The Chief Minister stated that while voluntary religious conversions are not prohibited, conversions involving deception or pressure are subject to legal consequences. Complaints regarding such acts will trigger investigations and appropriate action against the responsible individuals or organizations.

Formation of a high-level panel

To address these issues comprehensively, the state had formed a committee led by the Director General of Police (DGP). This panel submitted recommendations aimed at tackling both fraudulent caste certification and forced conversions. The government is currently reviewing the report and plans to frame relevant legal provisions.

Fadnavis said that provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) can apply in such cases. However, new state-level laws will likely supplement these, targeting more specific misconduct such as identity fraud for reservation benefits and coercive religious conversions.

Stronger laws expected in Winter Session

Minister of State for Home, Pankaj Bhoyar, stated earlier that a new anti-conversion bill will be tabled in the winter session of the legislature. This proposed law is expected to be more rigorous than similar laws in other states.

Another BJP leader, Pravin Darekar, highlighted ongoing religious conversion activities in economically disadvantaged urban areas and slums. Fadnavis acknowledged such reports and confirmed that although the government does not intend to ban all conversions, actions involving coercion or manipulation will face legal scrutiny.

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