New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the claim of a Haryana-based family that they had converted to Buddhism shortly before examinations to avail minority benefits and sought an explanation from the Haryana government on the issuance of minority certificates.

A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi strongly criticised the attempt and raised doubts about the family's intent.

The case arises from a petition filed by Nitin Punia and Ekta Punia, children of Krishan Punia, belonging to a Jat family from Hisar, Haryana, classified under the General category by birth. As per their plea, the petitioners were selected for admission under the Buddhist minority quota in Subharti Medical College, Subharti...