SOOSAI ETC. vs UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court examined the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, particularly paragraph 3, which states that individuals professing religions other than Hinduism or Sikhism are not deemed members of Scheduled Castes. The Court held that this provision is constitutional under Article 341(1) and does not discriminate against Christians from Scheduled Castes unless it is shown that they face comparable social and economic disabilities. The ruling affirmed that the legislative intent was to protect specific communities based on their religious affiliation and socio-economic status.