SC calls upper-caste candidate's minority claim 'new type of fraud'

New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday took strong exception to a plea by an upper-caste Hindu candidate seeking admission as a minority after claiming conversion to Buddhism, terming the attempt a "new type of fraud".

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a petition filed by Nikhil Kumar Punia, who sought admission on the ground of being a minority candidate.

During the hearing, the CJI questioned the petitioner's caste background. "You are a Punia? What minority are you? Let me ask this bluntly now. Which Punia are you?" the CJI asked.

In response, counsel for the petitioner stated that the petitioner belonged to the Jat Punia community, which falls under the ge...