Mangaluru Activist Demands Action Against Judge Over SC/ST Act Violation
In a significant development in Mangaluru, Lolaksha, the President of the Confederation of SCs & STs Organisations, has formally demanded action against Justice HN Nagamohan Das. The demand stems from allegations that Justice Das, who headed a one-man enquiry commission on internal reservations, violated provisions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Complaint Filed and Awaiting Action
On Thursday, Lolaksha addressed reporters, revealing that he had submitted a complaint on May 5, 2025, regarding this matter. However, he expressed frustration that no action had been initiated by authorities thus far. In response, Lolaksha announced plans to submit another complaint, this time to the Civil Rights Enforcement (CRE) police station in Mangaluru, to escalate the issue and seek justice.
Supreme Court Judgment and Alleged Misinterpretation
Lolaksha cited a recent Supreme Court judgment to support his allegations. He emphasized that the judgment clearly states that any person professing a religion other than Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist shall not be deemed a member of a Scheduled Caste. This ruling is crucial in defining eligibility for SC benefits under Indian law.
Contrasting this, Lolaksha accused Justice Nagamohan Das of stating that a person belonging to the SC category could still claim benefits even if he or she professes Christianity or Islam. According to Lolaksha, this position directly contradicts the Supreme Court's clarification, which asserts that an individual from the SC category loses their SC status upon converting to or professing Christianity or Islam.
The activist argued that such statements by Justice Das not only misinterpret legal provisions but also potentially undermine the integrity of the SC/ST Act, designed to protect marginalized communities from atrocities and ensure fair access to reservations.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This case highlights ongoing debates around internal reservations and religious conversion within SC/ST communities in India. Lolaksha's actions underscore concerns about the implementation and interpretation of laws meant to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely watching how authorities respond to the complaints. The outcome could have significant implications for future legal interpretations and enforcement of the SC/ST Act, particularly in cases involving religious identity and reservation benefits.
