Prior to the crucial assembly elections in five states, the Supreme Court on Monday declared that political parties can not seek votes in the name of religion, caste or creed, saying that the parties must adhere to the principles stated within the constitution.
The judgment, which was delivered by a bench of 7 judges, declared that an appeal to voters on the grounds of Caste, Creed and Religion is Impermissible.
The bench was headed by outgoing Chief Justice of India TS Thakur, and Justice Sharad Bobde, Justice Madan Lokur and Justice Rao agreed with him that votes cannot be sought in the name of caste or religion. Three judges – Justice UU Lalit, Justice Adarsh Goel and Justice DY Chandrachud – stood for dissent.
Following the latest ruling, any attempt to garner votes on ground of religion, caste or creed will be subjected to the provisions laid under the Representation of People’s Act.
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“Relation between an individual and God is an independent choice,” the court observed, further stating that the state is forbidden to partake in any such activity.
In response to the judgement, NCP leader Majeed Memon said that the ruling could prove to be a setback for the BJP owing to their plan of bringing up the Ram Mandir issue in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh election. He further added,"Local police and EC should be alert about the kind of speeches that will be given in the coming months."
BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy, however, quoted that the latest development has nothing to do with the BJP as the party has always been free of exploiting religion for winning voters.
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