Do Christians also practice Caste System, ask SC

The Supreme Court responded to the venture of Dalit Christians seeking Scheduled Caste status by asking if the Christians practiced caste system.

"Would the Christians admit that they practice caste system and that Dalits (among them) face social discrimination requiring reservation to uplift their cause?" asked Justice K G Balakrishnan.

The Justice however gave 8 weeks time for the Central Government to respond to the court regarding the Dalit issue.

Senior Counsel Shanti Bhushan appealing for the Dalit freedom argued the change in social status due to the mere change in religion and demanded to provide the Dalits similar benefits they enjoyed before their conversion.

Supporting Shanthi Bhushan was Senior Advocate Ram Jethmalani, appearing for the All India United Christian Movement for Equal Rights.

"The Congress government had brought in a Bill in 1996 with the objective of giving Dalits equal rights irrespective of the religion they profess."

"It is only politics that has deprived the Dalit Christians their legitimate due", said Jethmalani.

Finally the bench comprised of CJI, Justices RV Raveendran and Dalveer Bhandari asked the Government to take a decision in 8 weeks of time on basis of the RN Mishra Commission report.

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