Polity · 10 Aug 2026

G Michael v Venkateswaran backward class

With reference to reservation policy for religious converts in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Paragraph 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 restricts Scheduled Caste status to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists.
  2. Tamil Nadu's March 2024 order claimed Scheduled Caste status for converts to Islam under Article
  3. 3. Articles 15(4) and 16(4) empower a state to independently identify socially and educationally backward classes for its own reservation scheme.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 only
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Tests the ability to distinguish between two structurally different constitutional powers that sound related but govern separate legal questions.

Subscribe / Login in App →
This question is based on: The Precedent That Was Never About This Power
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 10 Aug 2026
About this question

Why in news

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on whether Tamil Nadu's power to grant reservation to backward-class converts to Islam is constitutional, after the Madras High Court struck down the state's order by applying the 1951 G. Michael precedent.

Why for UPSC

This format tests the ability to distinguish between two structurally different constitutional powers (Article 341 versus Articles 15(4)/16(4)) that a superficial reading might conflate - exactly the distinction the Supreme Court case turns on.

Prelims summary

The 1950 SC Order excludes Islam and Christianity from SC status; Tamil Nadu's 2024 order for Muslim converts relies not on Article 341 but on the state's separate Articles 15(4)/16(4) power to identify backward classes.

On web, answers are shown once after a test — no save or reattempt. For unlimited reattempts, Hindi medium, and Mentor Observations, use the TAN App.