Madras High Court Issues Notice to ECI on Plea Restricting SC Seats by Religion

The Madras High Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a plea seeking that only Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists be allowed to contest from Scheduled Caste (SC)-reserved constituencies.

The petitioner relied on the Constitution (SC) Order, 1950, which limits SC status to these religions, and argued that candidates who have converted should be disqualified.

The Court, however, raised concerns about how returning officers could verify a candidate’s religion beyond submitted certificates and declarations.

It refused to grant interim relief and sought responses from the ECI, listing the matter for further hearing.

[Arjunan Sampath v. The Chief Electoral Officer]