Don't seek votes in favour of religion, follow SC verdict: EC instructs political parties

Reminding the Supreme Court's verdict of not seeking votes in the name of religion, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday categorically asked all political parties to strictly comply with the judgement.

The EC has also suggested the parties to suitably brief and inform their lower formations and party cadres and all their candidates about the ruling of the apex court.

It has also asked them to suggest them to desist from any activities that would amount to soliciting votes in the name of religion, caste, etc. in any manner, in their own interest and in the interest of the party.

The SC in its verdict had stated that any appeal in the name of religion, race, caste, community or language is impermissible under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and would constitute a corrupt practice sufficient to annul the election in which such an appeal was made.

Terming religion a very private relationship between man and his God, a seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on January 2, held that an appeal made for votes during elections on the basis of religion, caste, race, community or language, will amount to a 'corrupt practice' and lead to disqualification of the candidate.