Case Comment: C. Selvarani V. The Special Secretary-Cum-District Collector & Others
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 3
- 1 min read
Oshin Dixit, Research Scholar, University of Lucknow
Prasoon Trivedi, Assistant Professor, City Law College, Lucknow
ABSTRACT
This case comment examines the Supreme Court’s decision in C. Selvarani v. The Special Secretary-cum-District Collector & Others (2024), which addressed the intersection of caste, religion, and affirmative action under the Indian Constitution. The Court held that baptism constitutes a decisive initiation into Christianity and therefore disentitles the appellant from claiming Scheduled Caste (SC) status under the Constitution (Pondicherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964, which excludes Christians. Her arguments of reconversion, reliance on the doctrine of eclipse, and earlier caste certificates were all rejected, with the Court emphasizing that SC recognition is strictly linked to religion as specified under Article 341. This comment critically analyzes the Court’s reasoning, highlighting its legal consistency with precedent but also its social limitations, particularly its neglect of caste discrimination experienced by Dalit Christians. It argues that while the judgment strengthens safeguards against fraudulent caste claims and ensures textual fidelity to constitutional provisions, it exposes the rigidity of India’s reservation framework and underscores the urgent need for legislative reform. The case is significant not only for clarifying the law on caste and religion but also for reigniting debate on extending SC status to Dalit Christians and Muslims, thereby raising important questions about equality, religious freedom, and social justice in India.
