In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court on Monday said that no politician will be allowed to seek votes in the name of caste, creed, or religion. A seven-judge bench of the apex court passed the judgement after hearing detailed arguments from various petitioners and respondents in Hindutva cases.
In a 4:3 split vote, the apex court ruled in favour of keeping religion out of election pitches. In its order, the court said that elections are a “secular exercise and thereby its way and process should be followed.”
The relationship between man and God is individual choice. The state is forbidden to interfere in such an activity.
In the order, the Supreme Court clarified that elections will be void if appeal for vote is made on religion by the candidates.
However, the minority view of the court held by Justices Goel, Lalit and Chandrachud stated that the Constitution allows a person from taking position on religion, language and as such a candidate can raise these issues in poll pitches.
(With agency, media inputs)
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