The Madras High Court in a landmark order has upheld the appointment of a woman under the Scheduled Caste Category in the post of a junior teacher after re-conversion to Hinduism after a “shuddhi ceremony”, as reported by The Commune dated 30.01.2021.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had conducted a “shuddi ceremony” to re-convert a Christian woman to Hinduism. Her appointment under the SC category as a junior graduate teacher was challenged in the High Court after her re-conversion to Hinduism from Christianity. The High Court has upheld her selection and appointment as a junior graduate teacher under the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.

Notably, Daisy Flora born into a Christian family (Paraiyar) married Vanavan who belonged to Hindu Paraiyar community. On conversion to Hinduism by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad she was renamed, A. Megalai.

The Commune reported that, Justice R Suresh Kumar, pointing to the relevant government order which allowed such conversion or reconversion and resultant benefits, said, “The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, one of the reputed and internationally acclaimed organisations for Hindu religion, which is constantly and steadfastly propagating the greatness and richness of Hinduism and Hindu rites and customs in this country, had performed the necessary pooja called ‘Shuddhi Satangu’ on November 1, 1998. The name of the petitioner, which was originally Daisy Flora, has been changed into A Megalai. On completion of the pooja by pandits of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, it has been declared that she had converted from Christianity to Hinduism.”

The court came to her rescue when she participated in the selection process for the junior graduate assistant but her application was rejected on the grounds that she was not entitled to the benefit as she was a reconvert.

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