The Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste pertains to individuals in India who were born into a caste-based religion, such as Hinduism, but later converted to a caste-less religion like Christianity or Islam. In this context, their original caste is deemed to be "eclipsed," or obscured, as they engage in practices of their new faith.
When an individual reconverts to their original caste-based religion, the "eclipse" is removed, effectively restoring their original caste status. This restoration enables individuals to potentially access benefits associated with their caste, such as affirmative action in education and employment.
This doctrine is not universally applicable. As clarified in the C. Selvarani case, the Supreme Court established that this doctrine is relevant only to those born into a caste-based religion. Individuals born into a caste-less religion, like Christianity, cannot invoke this doctrine to claim a caste later in life.
The significance of the Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste lies in its connection to social status and access to specific benefits, such as reservations in education and government employment. This doctrine is essential for determining eligibility for these benefits in the context of religious conversion and reconversion.
Distinct from the Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste, the Doctrine of Eclipse addresses legal matters concerning pre-Constitution laws that violate fundamental rights. Such laws are not automatically nullified; instead, they become unenforceable or "eclipsed" by the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These laws may regain applicability if the conflicting fundamental right is amended.
Q1. What is the significance of the Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste?
Answer: The significance lies in its impact on individuals' caste status and eligibility for benefits after religious conversion or reconversion. It shapes access to social justice initiatives in India.
Q2. Can someone born into a caste-less religion claim a caste later in life?
Answer: No, as per the Supreme Court's ruling in the C. Selvarani case, individuals born into caste-less religions cannot invoke the Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste to claim a caste status.
Q3. How does reconversion affect caste benefits?
Answer: Reconversion lifts the "eclipse" on an individual's caste status, allowing them to reclaim benefits associated with their original caste, including educational and employment reservations.
Q4. What is the Doctrine of Eclipse in legal terms?
Answer: In legal terms, the Doctrine of Eclipse refers to pre-Constitution laws that become unenforceable when they conflict with fundamental rights. They can potentially be activated again if the relevant fundamental rights are amended.
Q5. Are the Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste and the Doctrine of Eclipse the same?
Answer: No, they differ in focus. The former deals with caste status after religious conversion, while the latter concerns the enforceability of laws violating fundamental rights.
Question 1: What does the Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste address?
A) Caste status after conversion
B) Economic benefits for all religions
C) Social equality in India
D) Legal status of all religions
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Who can invoke the Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste?
A) Anyone from any religion
B) Individuals born into caste-based religions
C) Individuals from caste-less religions
D) Only government officials
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What happens to pre-Constitution laws under the Doctrine of Eclipse?
A) They are automatically void
B) They become unenforceable
C) They are always valid
D) They are never applicable
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the consequence of reconversion for caste status?
A) Caste status is permanently lost
B) Caste status is restored
C) Caste status remains unchanged
D) Caste status is irrelevant
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which case clarified the applicability of the Doctrine of Eclipse of Caste?
A) C. Selvarani case
B) Ambaji case
C) Kamini Kaushal case
D) Stability case
Correct Answer: A
Question 6: What is a fundamental right in the context of Indian law?
A) A privilege granted by the government
B) An inherent right of every citizen
C) A law applicable only to certain castes
D) A benefit for all religions
Correct Answer: B
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