Mumbai: In a fiery declaration in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates obtained by individuals not belonging to Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism would be cancelled. The government, he said, would initiate strong action against those found guilty of fraudulently availing reservation benefits.
“If anyone from religions other than Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism has availed an SC certificate or reservation, their validity certificates and caste certificates will be cancelled with due procedure,” Fadnavis declared during a heated debate. “If they have secured government jobs or won elections using these certificates, those benefits will be revoked, and their election will be declared null and void.”
The announcement came in response to a ‘calling attention’ motion raised by BJP’s Amit Gorkhe, who accused individuals of misusing the right to religious freedom by covertly practicing Christianity while retaining their SC status for government benefits. Gorkhe termed these individuals as “crypto Christians,” alleging they game the reservation system by hiding their real faith.
CM Fadnavis referred to a Supreme Court ruling dated November 26, 2024, which clarified that SC reservations are constitutionally meant only for followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. He made it clear that the state government would implement the verdict rigorously, cancelling certificates and recovering financial gains accrued through fraudulent means.
“Recovery (of monetary benefits) will be recommended from those who have availed benefits using fraudulently obtained caste certificates,” he added.
BJP’s Chitra Wagh backed these concerns by citing a harrowing case from Sangli where a woman was allegedly duped into marrying into a secretly Christian family. She was reportedly tortured and forced to convert, leading to her death while she was seven months pregnant. Wagh demanded justice and urgent action to prevent such cases.
Fadnavis responded with resolve: “A person can follow any religion and convert another person with consent, but the law does not permit the use of force, cheating, or enticement for conversion. Complaints of coercion or inducement for conversion will lead to investigation and action against the concerned organisation.”
The Chief Minister also revealed that a panel headed by the Director General of Police (DGP) had already submitted a report with recommendations on tackling coerced religious conversions. The state is now reviewing the report and will frame new legal provisions aimed at preventing conversions by fraud or force.
“The government is committed to protecting religious freedom but not at the cost of social justice and law,” he stated.
Earlier this week, Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar had announced plans to introduce a stringent anti-conversion law during the winter session of the legislature. He claimed Maharashtra’s law would be tougher than similar ones in other Indian states.
BJP’s Pravin Darekar added to the chorus, claiming that a “secret campaign” is underway in slums and poor areas to lure people into changing religions. “These are silent but dangerous operations targeting vulnerable communities,” he warned.
Fadnavis acknowledged such patterns and emphasized that while consensual religious conversions would remain legal, any form of deceit or coercion would not be tolerated. “The Constitution allows religious freedom. But when that freedom is misused to cheat the system or violate someone’s rights, the law must act.”
While the BJP hails the decision as a necessary correction to protect SC rights and uphold constitutional provisions, critics argue it could lead to misuse of authority and marginalization of minority communities. Legal experts suggest that the implementation of the anti-conversion law and cancellation of SC certificates may soon be challenged in court. For now, the Fadnavis government appears determined to proceed.
