EC asks CEOs to tighten noose over political parties seeking votes on religious ground

The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday requested the Chief Electorate Officers (CEOs) to take note of the Supreme Court's verdict of not seeking votes in the name of religion.

Reminding of any activity of seeking votes in the name of religion, caste etc. by or on behalf of any candidate or political party would amount to violation of the provisions of sub-paras (3) and (4) of part-I of the Model Code of Conduct, the Election Commission asked CEOs to communicate the same to all District Election Officers (DEOs) and Review Officers (ROs).

The EC has also instructed all political parties to strictly comply with the apex court's judgement.

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.