One-year extension for commission studying SC tag for all Dalit converts

• The Commission of Inquiry, set up by the Centre in 2022 to examine if Scheduled Caste status can be granted to all Dalit converts, has been granted a one-year extension to submit its report.

Highlights:

Commission’s Mandate and Extension:

• The Commission of Inquiry, established in 2022 by the Centre to evaluate the potential for granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit converts of various religions, has been granted an extension. Led by former Chief Justice of India, Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, the three-member commission now has until October 10, 2025, to submit its report. The extension allows the commission additional time to finalize its recommendations.

Current SC Status Eligibility and Commission's Focus:

• As per the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, SC status is currently reserved for individuals practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. The commission’s task is to assess the feasibility of extending SC status to Dalits who have converted to other religions, specifically Christianity and Islam.
• The issue has been pending before the Supreme Court for over 20 years, with the Centre establishing the commission in response to ongoing litigation.

Challenges and Field Visits:

• The commission faced delays in initiating its work due to a lack of resources, only beginning field visits in August 2023. Field visits are essential for gathering public opinion, and the commission has since held public consultations in states like Kerala, Gujarat, Bihar, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Further hearings are scheduled in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
• One source indicated that, with the extension granted, the remaining fieldwork could potentially be completed in the next six months.

Initial Hurdles and Resource Constraints:

• The commission experienced a slow start, operating without a permanent office or sufficient staff support for the first three months. Despite these constraints, Justice Balakrishnan expressed optimism, suggesting that the commission could finish its work sooner if provided with the necessary resources.

Centre’s Position on Dalit Converts and SC Status:

• The Modi-led government has maintained its stance against granting SC status to Dalit Christians and Muslims, citing the “foreign origins” of these religions. The government has asked the Supreme Court to defer its decision until the commission completes its inquiry. While the Centre justifies the exclusion, it has also emphasized its commitment to a comprehensive review through the commission.
• The extended timeline provides the commission with a more structured period to evaluate the socio-economic conditions and broader implications of SC status for Dalit converts, setting the stage for a potentially significant shift in India’s social justice policies.

Prelims Takeaways

• Commission of Inquiry