On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court left untouched the Madras High Court’s decision that a person who adopts Islam cannot automatically be counted as a member of any notified Backward Class Muslim community— a move that directly undermines the March 9, 2024 state order.
The order was drafted to let converts from BC, MBC, DNC and SC retain reservation advantages by acquiring certificates of one of the seven notified Muslim communities, and it was meant to preserve a 3.5% sub‑quota for Backward Class Muslims.
Ahamed, formerly known as Paramasivam, converted in 2015 and sought a Lebbai certificate; revenue officers denied him, prompting him to challenge the order in the Madras High Court.
The High Court struck down the order, holding that conversion severs the legal basis for entitlement tied to the Hindu social order, and the Supreme Court maintained that perspective.
A 45‑year‑old woman from Tirunelveli, who converted two decades ago, says she still feels barred: “I was denied the certificate, and now I see the court’s decision will keep me from the job reservation.”
Tamil Nadu’s government is expected to file a review petition to the Supreme Court in the coming weeks, while the 3.5% sub‑quota for Muslim Backward Classes will remain in force for the original seven communities.