Guntur: Andhra Pradesh authorities have cancelled the Scheduled Caste (SC) certificate of pastor Chintada Anand after concluding that he practised Christianity and, hence, is ineligible for protections under constitutional provisions following the Supreme Court ruling in his case in March this year. This is likely the first SC certificate cancellation in AP after the verdict.
Background of the Case
The district scrutiny committee concluded that Anand was practising Christianity as a pastor. Based on the committee's recommendations, Bapatla collector V Vinod Kumar issued notices asking Anand to explain why his SC certificate should not be cancelled. The controversy dates back to a land dispute in Kothapalem village of Pittalavanipalem mandal in Bapatla district in 2022. BJP activist Akkala Ramireddy approached authorities and later the high court seeking cancellation of Anand's SC certificate, alleging that despite embracing Christianity he continued to claim SC status and benefits.
Legal Proceedings
Ramireddy had approached the HC after a case under the SCs & STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was booked against him and five others on Anand's complaint. The HC ruled in favour of Ramireddy and quashed the case. Subsequently, Anand approached the Supreme Court, which also struck down his contention. The SC made it clear that no practising Christian could avail of protection as an SC. Armed with the SC verdict, Ramireddy approached the district administration seeking cancellation of Anand's SC certificate. After a detailed process and a final hearing held recently, the collector issued orders cancelling the SC certificate of Anand.
Official Orders
In view of the recommendations of the district level scrutiny committee, Bapatla, and in exercise of powers conferred under Section 5 of the AP (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes) Regulation of Issue of Community Certificates Act, 1993, read with Rule 9(7) of the AP Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, the Scheduled Caste certificate issued in favour of Chintada Anand is hereby cancelled with immediate effect, said the collector in the gazette notification. Sources said Anand has been given an opportunity to file an appeal against the collector's decision before the state-level authority.
Political Reactions
Assembly deputy speaker K Raghurama Krishnam Raju has been demanding that SC reservation facilities for all those going to church should be cancelled without any delay. He said that allowing practising Christians to enjoy the benefits as SCs was depriving the actual poor SCs. However, Anand said he would continue his fight against the cancellation at an appropriate forum. I was born into an SC family, which cannot be altered. I have only changed my faith. Cancellation of SC certificate is arbitrary and unjust, said Anand.
