ORDER

The petitioner s parents initially belonged to Adi-Dravida by caste hailing from Kattalai village in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. Admittedly, before the birth, they had converted into Christian religion. He was born on May 7,1941. He joined the service of the Food Corporation of India on March 7,1968 as Assistant Grade-I. Subsequently, he had married on February 14,1969 according to Christian rites in a Church. On these facts, notice was given to the petitioner to show cause how the petitioner would be entitled to benefits and privileges extended to the Scheduled caste candidates in furture. Challenging it, he filed a suit. His case is that he was baptised when he was aa minor. After he became major, he is continuing as a Adi-Dravida. The trial Court though decreed the suit, on appeal it was reversed and in S.A. No. 270/84, the High Court confirmed the same. Thus this Special Leave Petition.

2. It is contended for the petitioner that though he was born of Christian parents, but with their consent, he got converted to Hindu at the age of 14 and on such conversion, he became Adi-Dravida and consequently entitled to the status of Scheduled Caste . Therefore, he is entitle