The Supreme Court of India has held that only Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists are eligible for Scheduled Caste status, relying on Clause 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. Converting to any other religion results in immediate loss of SC status. Sikhism was brought under this clause in 1956 and Buddhism in 1990. A convert cannot claim protection under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Re-conversion requires proof of the original caste, a genuine return to the religion and acceptance by the community.