MADRAS HIGH COURT RULES FOR DALITS

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CHENNAI, INDIA, November 17, 2006: The Madras High Court has ruled that a Dalit born to Hindu parents, who had converted to Christianity, will be entitled to quota benefits provided to the scheduled castes upon reconversion to Hinduism. A division bench allowed a petition by R. Shankar, who challenged the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission's rejection of his application to the post of civil judge under the SC quota. Shankar's ancestors were Hindu Adi Dravidas who had converted to Christianity. But he had reconverted to Hinduism. His conversion was recognized by people belonging to the community. However, Shankar's claim that he had the right to enjoy the benefits of other SC candidates and that he was eligible for the post of civil judge under the SC quota had been rejected by the TNPSC.