The Legal Right Protection Forum (LRPF) has filed a complaint against Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan for misusing the provision of reservation by allegedly concealing his conversion to Christianity.
The chief of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) was elected MP from the Chidambaram Lok Sabha constituency, a reserved constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The LRPF in its complaint addressed to the District Collector of Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu and the Lok Sabha Speaker has said that the MP is misusing the reservation benefits meant for Scheduled Caste for his political benefits.
Referring to the interview given by Thirumavalavan to a Tamil news channel, LRPF stated that Thol. Thirumavalavan had openly admitted the fact that he is a Christian and practicing Christianity.
“In an exclusive interview which is available on YouTube, published on 24th February, 2018 by Thanthi TV he asserted that he follows Christianity.” the complaint mentioned.
The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950 states that any person who professes a religion different from Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism shall cease to be a member of the Scheduled Caste (SC).
“Thus a person professing Christian religion cannot claim Scheduled Caste status. The Supreme Court of India in its judgement vide citation: Civil Appeal No.4870 of 2015 dated 29 April 2016, clearly stated that persons who belong to SC will loose the SC status if they convert their religion to Christianity and Islam.”, the complaint mentioned.
“It clearly appears that Shri Thirumavalavan is still holding SC Caste Certificate which is against the Constitutional (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950” the complaint stated adding that Thirumavalavan hid the fact that he is Christian and contested from a the Chidambaram Lok Sabha (reserved) constituency.
“This is not only cheating the public authorities but also misuse of Reservations which are meant for welfare of the people of weaker sections of this society. ” LRPF stated in the complaint.
The complaint also noted that Thirumavalavan is notoriously known for abusing Hinduism and Hindu Gods. It pointed out to the instance, where Thirumavalavan in a public meeting said “Siva, Vishnu, didn’t come when huts of Scheduled Caste People were burnt, what is wrong in moving towards Jesus.”
“In the view of above facts and circumstances, we request you to take appropriate action and deliver justice to the people of Scheduled Caste Community.”, the complaint concluded.
Recently in February 2021, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha said that as per the Constitution of India and Indian statute, Hindu persons eligible for reservation benefits, like those belonging to Scheduled Castes, cannot avail the same benefits if they convert to Christianity or Islam.
"I follow Christianity, My family participates Christian functions" – Thol Thirumavalavan, MP, Chidambaram Constituency (SC Reserved), Tamil Nadu.
Wrote to Cuddalore District Collector and Chief Electoral Officer (TN) seeking cancellation of his SC Status & disqualification. pic.twitter.com/oyxu05Tb3B
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) May 31, 2021
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